Dareu Snow vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Snow and the HMX Sunset Gleam each offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Snow switch is celebrated for its innovative design, utilizing POK material for both the top housing and stem, which contributes to its deeper sound signature and a smooth typing experience. This switch is characterized as "thocky," "neutral," "low-pitched," and "bouncy," making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, excels in providing a blend of materials that yield a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube. While both switches deliver a linear experience aimed at smooth keypresses, the Snow leans towards a richer sound profile, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a distinct tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.

By the numbers

Dareu Snow Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the HMX Sunset Gleam, notable contrasts emerge between the top housings of the two switches. The Dareu Snow features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a friction rating of 0.04, it allows for smooth key presses while also boasting a wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than that of POM, along with impressive shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM. This material contributes to a smoother, clacky feel and is ideal for those seeking high-performance switches. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. The translucence of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetics, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, adding a visual element that the Snow's POK housing lacks.

Despite differences in their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches share similarities by utilizing nylon as their primary material. Nylon is revered as a classic switch housing material that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, users will experience the moist and rounded auditory feedback associated with nylon. Because both the Snow and the Sunset Gleam have nylon bottom housings, they will deliver a similar acoustic experience, emphasizing a muted depth and richness to the sound that accompanies each key press.

Ultimately, the combination of distinct top housing materials with the identical nylon bottom housing creates unique yet complementary experiences in both switch types. While the Dareu Snow will provide a smooth tactile experience with a clacky sound profile driven by the POK top, the HMX Sunset Gleam will offer a sharper auditory response enhanced by the polycarbonate material. Yet, both switches will maintain a shared auditory foundation due to their identical nylon bottoms, allowing enthusiasts to achieve a deeper, fuller sound while capitalizing on the individual strengths of each top material. Therefore, while their top housings contribute different characteristics, the nylon bottom ensures that users enjoy a certain degree of uniformity in bottom-out sound and feel across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Snow switch features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to those who value comfort for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that the Snow switch is heavier overall, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the Sunset Gleam is lighter, making it ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. Consequently, if you're seeking a more tactile and forceful typing experience, the Snow would be the better choice, whereas the Sunset Gleam is excellent for ease of use over longer periods.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it is clear that the Snow switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. For gamers or users who seek quicker response times and a more responsive feel, the Snow switch might be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper key press may lean towards the Sunset Gleam, which provides a more traditional and hearty depth. Thus, users can choose between the efficient responsiveness of the Snow or the more thoughtful depth of the Sunset Gleam depending on their preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Snow switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam switch, the distinctions are notable. The Snow switch is characterized by its deeper sound signature, delivering a thocky, low-pitched tone that creates a rich and satisfying auditory experience typical of high-quality linear switches. This depth offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the sound profile of the Sunset Gleam remains ambiguous as specific descriptors are not provided. Thus, while the Snow offers a well-defined acoustic experience, the Sunset Gleam’s sonic qualities remain uncertain and could potentially range anywhere from neutral to specialized, depending on its construction.

When it comes to the tactile feel, the Dareu Snow switch excels with its bouncy sensation, providing a lively and elastic feedback with every key press. This characteristic enhances the overall typing experience, making it engaging and responsive. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam lacks a specific feel descriptor, leaving us without a clear understanding of its tactile feedback. Therefore, while the Snow promotes an energizing typing experience through its bounciness, the tactile qualities of the Sunset Gleam remain unknown.

In conclusion, the Dareu Snow switch offers clear strengths in both sound and feel, creating an engaging experience with its thocky resonation and bouncy feedback. The HMX Sunset Gleam, while potentially a strong contender, has uncertain sound and tactile characteristics that warrant further exploration. For those looking for a reliable and rich typing experience, the Snow switch is a certain choice, while the Sunset Gleam remains a wildcard that could suit those who prioritize experimentation. Both switches can deliver satisfactory results when paired with the right board and keycaps, though the specific experience may differ significantly.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a slightly heavier touch and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound while you type, the Snow switch may be the right fit for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, combined with its unique POK material, provides a bouncy feel that makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging, perfect for both gaming sessions and focused typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more responsive typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch with its 48-gram bottom-out force would likely serve you better. Its excellent factory lubrication and subtle sound profile make it versatile for both casual and professional use, delivering a satisfying clack without the extra weight. In summary, your decision should reflect whether you enjoy the richer, more tactile engagement of the Snow or the smooth, breezy experience of the Sunset Gleam; either choice will bring its own unique qualities to your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more