Dareu Snow vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it's clear that each offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Snow switch is praised for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch is known for its cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Snow switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Taro switch falls under 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped' categories. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and needs. 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
67g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Jwick Taro, one significant difference is the POK material used in the Snow's top housing versus the polycarbonate used in the Taro's top housing. The POK material in the Snow provides a smooth and durable experience, resulting in clacky switches, while the polycarbonate in the Taro creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, both materials offer excellent durability, with the Snow's POK being exceptionally strong and wear-resistant, surpassing Nylon by 2.3 times and POM by 1.4 times, while polycarbonate is known for its stiffer nature and clear sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Snow and the Taro opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users will experience a consistent typing sound and feel, regardless of whether they choose the Snow or the Taro. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches indicates a preference for a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Snow and the Jwick Taro contribute to unique sound profiles and typing experiences for users. While the Snow's POK top housing offers a smooth and clacky switch experience, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether users prioritize smoothness and durability or a stiffer and more resonant sound, both the Snow and the Taro offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch differ in weight. The Snow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Taro's unknown actuation force. However, the Taro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Snow has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Taro switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Snow switch more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Taro switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Snow switch, is often favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, a longer travel distance, like that of the Taro switch, can provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with both options offering a different tactile 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 thocky experience with a deep and rich tone that can be quite satisfying for many users. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and settings. While the Snow switch leans towards a low-pitched sound, the Taro switch offers a more moderate and versatile auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer pleasant sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Snow switch providing a deeper tone compared to the neutral sound of the Taro switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to typing. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a buttery keystroke experience, giving users a smooth and fluid sensation when typing. Additionally, the Taro switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile feedback that feels more mild and distinct compared to the Snow switch's bouncy feel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences, with the Snow switch offering a more lively bounce while the Taro switch provides a smooth and uniform typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Snow switch provides a thocky sound and a bouncy feel, the Taro switch offers a neutral sound profile with a buttery, stepped sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches offer quality performance and can provide similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and comfort for the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Snow with 60 grams might be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a deep and satisfying thocky sound when typing, the Snow switch would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a buttery and stepped typing experience, the Taro switch could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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