Dareu Snow vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Snow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular options, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Snow, a linear switch, is praised for its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, showcases a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance that ensures a medium weight feel, along with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Snow's POK top housing offers exceptional smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing, which provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the switches may produce similar results when considering the impact of the shared nylon bottom housing on sound quality.
While the Snow's POK top housing boasts superior wear resistance and shock resistance compared to the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing, the Thunder Shadow's hardness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. On the other hand, both switches' nylon bottom housing imparts a similar deep and full sound experience due to its sound-absorbing properties. This highlights the importance of combining different housing materials in a switch design to achieve a well-rounded sound profile that balances clarity, smoothness, and impact. Ultimately, the choice between the Snow and the Thunder Shadow may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Overall, the combination of POK and nylon in the Snow and polycarbonate and nylon in the Thunder Shadow showcases the unique sound profiles and tactile experiences that different housing materials can offer. Each material brings its own strengths to the switch design, whether it be smoothness and durability in the POK top housing, or clarity and sharpness in the polycarbonate top housing. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound experience in both switches, highlighting the importance of material selection in creating a satisfying typing and gaming experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Snow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier force of 63.5 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Snow for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier push feel of the Thunder Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Snow switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, neutral, and low-pitched sound profile, giving users a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides a neutral sound that complements its balanced tactile bump, creating a harmonious typing sound. Both switches offer pleasant sound profiles suitable for a variety of users and environments.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Snow switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a dynamic and spring-like sensation when typing. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy feel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that enhance the overall typing experience, catering to users with different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Snow linear switch and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a deep and bouncy typing sensation with the Snow switch or a balanced and invigorating tactile experience with the Thunder Shadow switch, you can expect quality performance from either option. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve similar levels of typing satisfaction with these innovative mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a smooth and deep sound experience with a medium bottom out force, the Dareu Snow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump and a harmonious balance with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would suit your preferences better. The Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for a unique sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow offers a pronounced tactile bump for a more immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or tactile feedback and balance in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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