Dareu Snow vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two contenders that stand out are the Dareu Snow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Dareu Snow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its innovative POK material, resulting in a smooth typing experience complemented by a deeper, low-pitched sound signature that many typists find satisfying. This switch offers a “thocky” yet bouncy feel, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a unique auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a hall effect mechanism to deliver a super smooth keystroke, yielding a neutral sound that still meets the demands of “thock” enthusiasts. Its dustproof stem design significantly reduces wobble and enhances performance, appealing to those who seek a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing responsiveness. While the Dareu Snow excels in sound depth and linear action, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its balance of smoothness and refined feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), there are notable distinctions in their top housings. The Dareu Snow utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which boasts a low coefficient of friction (0.04) that ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This material's impressive durability (14 times stronger than POM) and shock resistance (surpassing Nylon and POM by significant margins) contribute to a clacky sound profile that many users find satisfying. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing known for delivering a sharper, crisper sound. This stiffer material enhances the clarity and resonance of sound due to its ability to transmit vibrations more effectively. While both materials serve their unique purposes, the Snow's POK material leans towards producing a softer, smoother experience, whereas the polycarbonate in the Sticky Rice aims for a more pronounced auditory experience.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the Dareu Snow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize Nylon, a classic choice for switch housing that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that Nylon is a softer plastic, it excels at sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and less harsh auditory feedback. This shared material in their bottom housings means that both switches will provide a consistent tactile experience when pressing down on the keys, allowing for a more muted sound as compared to their respective top housings. Consequently, while the top housings of the two switches yield different sound characteristics, the bottom housings harmonize the overall acoustic profile, providing a balance of deeper tones.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Dareu Snow's POK and the Everglide Sticky Rice's polycarbonate create distinct sound experiences, while their identical Nylon bottom housings promote a deeper, more resonant quality. When using either switch, users can expect a varied auditory response influenced by the top housing, while the softer, deeper sounds from the nylon will ground the experience. Therefore, while the Snow leans towards a smooth and clacky touch, the Sticky Rice offers a sharper sound high on resonance, showing how diverse housing materials can lead to a wide range of sensory experiences even when some components are shared.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch with an actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams, notable differences arise. The Snow switch's 50-gram actuation and 60-gram bottom out forces suggest a medium resistance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a lighter feel with its 40-gram actuation and 50-gram bottom out, catering to users who favor reduced strain during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This disparity in force means that the Snow switch provides a firmer push, suitable for users who enjoy tactile feedback, while the Sticky Rice is ideal for those seeking a more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lighter switch for comfort over long durations, the Everglide would be the preferred choice, whereas the Snow would appeal to those who like a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Snow offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users looking for quicker response times might prefer the Dareu Snow due to its shorter actuation distance, which can be beneficial for gaming where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer 3.5 mm travel, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial, tactile feel during key presses, catering to individuals who enjoy a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus a more traditional depth in key travel.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 produces a notably deep and rich auditory profile, often characterized as thocky. This low-pitched tone resonates with users who appreciate a heavy and satisfying keystroke, reminiscent of a soft "thud" or a gentle "knock." The sound signature created by the Snow switch lends itself well to a more immersive typing experience. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature, designed to cater to a broader range of preferences. While it doesn't push the envelope in terms of sound, it remains a versatile choice that is pleasing for various environments. Importantly, the overall audio output of both switches can vary based on the keyboard's construction, choice of keycaps, and individual typing style, leading to subjective experiences that may align with personal taste.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch excels with a bouncy quality that imparts an energetic feedback upon each keystroke. This spring-like sensation coupled with a smooth linear action makes for a lively and responsive typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of pizazz in their presses. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while lacking specific descriptors regarding its feel, is noted for its super smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble and enhances performance. Given the appreciation for refined tactile sensations among enthusiasts, it can be inferred that this switch might also provide a satisfying typing experience, though it may not possess the same lively rebound that the Snow switch offers.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Snow linear switch delivers a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes a neutral sound profile with a super smooth experience. Each switch caters to different user preferences—those who thrive on the rich auditory feedback may lean toward the Snow, while those seeking a balanced and subtle sound with a refined feel may find the Sticky Rice (V2) appealing. Ultimately, both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to discover their preferred qualities in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, the decision between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing style and preferences. If you lean toward a medium actuation force of 60 grams and appreciate a deeper, thocky sound signature that offers a bouncy and lively feedback, the Snow switch would likely serve you well, especially for an engaging typing experience or when gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a light actuation force of 50 grams coupled with a smooth and refined keystroke, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be your best choice. Its neutral sound profile and dustproof design make it perfect for those who want a quieter setup without compromising on tactile satisfaction. In essence, choose the Snow for a more dynamic feel and sound, while opting for the Sticky Rice (V2) if you value a balanced and smooth typing experience with a refined touch.
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