Dareu Snow vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Snow and the SP-Star Duck offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, providing a smooth linear feel with a deeper sound signature. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. If you prefer a bouncy and low-pitched feel, the Snow switch might be the right choice for you. However, if you appreciate a buttery and polished tactile feedback, the Duck switch could be more to your liking. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the SP-Star Duck, it is evident that the Snow utilizes POK material for its top housing while the Duck opts for polycarbonate. The POK material in the Snow offers a smooth and durable experience with its high coefficient of friction and exceptional strength and wear resistance, resulting in clacky switches. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Duck's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. While both materials excel in durability and shock resistance, their main differences lie in the sound profiles they produce.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the Snow features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This leads to a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck. The polycarbonate material used in the Duck's bottom housing contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with its clear and resonant sound profile. Whether one prefers a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound will determine which housing material is more suited to their typing preferences.
Overall, while both the Dareu Snow and the SP-Star Duck offer smooth and durable switches, their housing materials contribute to different sound profiles and typing experiences. The POK material in the Snow emphasizes a clacky and smooth typing experience, while the polycarbonate material in the Duck produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound or a crisper, higher-pitched sound will ultimately determine which switch is more suitable for their typing needs.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both fall within the medium range, with the Snow being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Duck's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Duck is slightly lighter at 58 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams. This means that the Snow may offer a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, but both switches provide a similar medium-level resistance when it comes to bottoming out. The decision between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with those who prefer a lighter typing experience possibly leaning towards the Snow, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Duck.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Snow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster keystroke inputs. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, making it a preferred option for those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation point. Both switches have their own benefits, with the Snow being ideal for quick and precise movements, while the Duck offers a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Both switches are considered to be neutral in terms of sound, but the Snow switch may offer a deeper and more satisfying sound due to its unique POK material construction.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation when typing. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience, with a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of key travel. While the Snow switch emphasizes a bouncy and lively feel, the Duck switch focuses on a gentle and effortless typing sensation that appeals to a wider range of users.
Overall, the Dareu Snow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Snow switch provides a deeper and more bouncy typing experience, while the Duck switch offers a more subtle and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound depth and typing sensation, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a quality mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring that users will get satisfactory results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a deeper, thocky sound with a bouncy feel, the Snow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clean and crispy sound with a mild, buttery, and polished feel, the Duck switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Remember to consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback when making your choice.
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