Dareu Snow vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two linear options that stand out are the Dareu Snow and the Bsun Taichi. The Snow switch is renowned for its innovative use of POK material, which contributes to a unique, deeper sound signature while typing. This switch is described as 'thocky,' 'neutral,' and 'bouncy,' making it an enticing choice for users who appreciate a balanced tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch showcases its long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering a high-pitched, clacky sound that many gamers and typists find appealing. While the Taichi is characterized as 'polished' and 'clacky,' offering unparalleled smoothness and stability, the sound profile may not suit everyone’s taste. Each switch has its distinct qualities that cater to different typing experiences, making them equally compelling choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Bsun Taichi keyboards, notable differences emerge in the top housings. The Snow utilizes POK (polyketone) for its upper housing, which is known for its smoothness, durability, and notable shock resistance. The POK material offers a coefficient of friction of 0.04, resulting in a slightly smoother feel than the 0.03 coefficient of LY, making it one of the most reliable materials used in keyboard switches. In contrast, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a distinct sound profile due to its rigidity. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to sharper, higher-pitched sounds, which many users appreciate for their clarity and resonant qualities, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Thus, while the Snow aims for a smooth typing experience through the unique properties of POK, the Taichi focuses on sound clarity and aesthetics with polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Dareu Snow and the Bsun Taichi use nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. Nylon is comparatively softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile—a characteristic shared by both switches despite their different top housing materials. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users can expect a similar auditory and tactile richness from both the Snow and the Taichi. This similarity in bottom housing material reveals how each switch can still resonate with a deep sound despite the contrasting properties found in their top sections.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different top and bottom housings in these switches create unique experiences. The POK material in the Snow results in a smoother, more durable feel, while the polycarbonate in the Taichi enhances clarity and sharpness. However, both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a shared experience in sound absorption and a deeper acoustic response. This balance of materials showcases how each keyboard can cater to different preferences, with the POK and polycarbonate up top offering distinct sound profiles while the nylon below provides a consistent foundation for an engaging keystroke experience.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced tactile experience suitable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which may benefit users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown, which leaves some uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully depressed. If it were to have a similar bottom out force, users could expect a softer landing compared to the Snow switch. Overall, the Snow is the heavier option due to its greater actuation and bottom out forces, which caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Taichi offers a lighter option for users favoring a more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Snow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Taichi measures a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. This means that those who opt for the Snow switch will experience a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times—a feature often favored by gamers who require rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper keystroke, providing a feeling of robustness that some find more comfortable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness with the shorter Snow or a more substantial depth with the longer Taichi.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 auditory experience characterized by a rich and satisfying noise that resonates when pressed. This depth can contribute to a more immersive typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a heavier sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive upon actuation. This distinctive brightness can be invigorating for some users, but it may not provide the depth that the Snow offers. It's important to consider that sound quality can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means individual experiences may vary.
Turning to feel, the Snow switches are described as bouncy, which gives a lively and responsive feedback sensation during typing. This bouncy characteristic can make each keystroke feel more engaging, as if the keys have a natural springiness that enhances overall typing dynamics. On the other hand, the Taichi switches are known for their polished feel, suggesting a smooth and refined typing experience thanks to their fine materials and potential factory lubrication. The polished nature of these switches can lead to a consistently silky key travel, making them an ideal choice for users who prefer a seamless typing flow over tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Dareu Snow and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Snow delivers a deep, thocky sound paired with a bouncy feel, while the Taichi offers a clacky sound coupled with a polished sensation. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; users who prefer a more muted yet rich auditory experience with lively feedback may gravitate toward the Snow, while those who enjoy a sharp sound with a smooth typing experience might opt for the Taichi. Given that both types provide satisfying key presses, you can achieve enjoyable typing experiences with either option, just with different sensory profiles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a switch that offers a moderate actuation force combined with a deeper, thocky sound, the Snow is likely your best bet. It provides a bouncy feel that makes typing enjoyable and responsive, making it ideal for both gaming and typing for prolonged periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, crisper sound profile with a polished feel, the Taichi may suit you better. Its unique long-pole stem design enhances smoothness and stability, providing a clacky auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. Therefore, consider your priorities: go for the Dareu Snow for a rich sound and tactile feedback when you want to engage deeply in your tasks, or opt for the Bsun Taichi for an elevated, snappy experience that might enhance your efficiency during fast-paced tasks. Ultimately, your choice will shape your typing experience, so select the switch that resonates best with your needs and style.
Mentioned in this article
