Dareu Snow vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Snow and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Dareu Snow stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem, resulting in a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is known for providing a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. While the Snow switch offers a 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy' typing experience, the Speed Silver switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. If you're looking for a switch that prioritizes a comfortable typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Dareu Snow might be the way to go. On the other hand, if speed and precision are more important to you, the TTC Speed Silver could be the better choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and the TTC Speed Silver both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Snow features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials are highly durable, with the POK material being exceptionally strong and wear-resistant, the polycarbonate material offers a more resonant sound due to its stiffness. Overall, the Snow's POK top housing provides a smooth and clacky typing experience, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and higher-pitched sound profile, making them suitable for different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Snow and the Speed Silver feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of the switch is significant. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, the Dareu Snow and TTC Speed Silver offer unique combinations of housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Snow's POK top housing provides a smooth and durable typing experience, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for smoothness, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Snow requires 60 grams of force, while the Speed Silver only needs 55 grams. This means that the Snow switch provides a more consistent typing experience with a slightly heavier overall feel, whereas the Speed Silver switch offers a lighter touch with a gentler bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provides a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. Choosing between the two depends on individual preferences; those looking for a more responsive key press may lean towards the Dareu Snow, while others who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the TTC Speed Silver. In either case, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them ideal for gaming and typing enthusiasts seeking an efficient and precise keyboard experience.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deep, thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, providing a rich and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile, which is suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch is known for its bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Whether you prefer a more lively and bouncy feel or a polished and refined touch, both switches offer distinct tactile feedback for users to enjoy.
Overall, the Dareu Snow linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Depending on your personal preferences for typing experience, you can choose between the deep and thocky sound of the Snow switch or the neutral and polished feel of the Speed Silver switch. Both switches offer a different but satisfying typing experience that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, trying out both switches may give you a better understanding of which one aligns more with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Snow linear switch or the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you value a deeper sound profile and a bouncy, spring-like feel, then the Dareu Snow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a polished, smooth key travel, then the TTC Speed Silver switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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