Dareu Snow vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Dareu Snow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique advantages despite being linear switches. The Dareu Snow is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material, which enhances its tactile feel and provides a deeper sound signature, making it ideal for those who appreciate a thocky, low-pitched auditory feedback while typing. Its balanced characteristics make it versatile enough for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) excels with its Ly stems that promise a super smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile. This switch is great for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory response without sacrificing the smoothness of keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they ultimately offer an appealing experience to both typists and gamers alike. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), notable differences arise in their top housings. The Snow features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a uniquely smooth experience with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, enhancing tactile feedback during use. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing— a stiffer material that contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. While both materials serve to enhance the overall performance of the switches, the POK's superior wear and shock resistance adds robustness, promising longevity, whereas the polycarbonate option excels aesthetically, making it an ideal choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, both the Dareu Snow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a commonality in their choice of bottom housing material: nylon. This classic switch housing material ensures that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to their top counterparts. The characteristics of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow for sound absorption, resulting in a smoother auditory experience that complements the tactile feedback provided by the switches. Since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile between them in this regard, grounding each typing experience in richness and depth.
Ultimately, the correlation between the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in the overall feel and sound of the switches. The differences in the top housing materials will dictate the acoustic characteristics when releasing a key, with the POK offering smoothness and the polycarbonate providing clarity. However, with both switches grounded by nylon bottoms, users will experience a shared quality in the bottom-out sound and feel, effectively weaving together the contrasting attributes of each switch into a cohesive typing experience. Thus, while the Dareu Snow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) possess distinct top housings, their foundational similarity in nylon leads to a comparable acoustic result in the full switch dynamics.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Snow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Snow switch is lighter and may be more appealing for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during prolonged use, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a firmer push that some typists might favor for a more substantial feel. Overall, users can expect a heavier resistance from the Tomcat, making it better suited for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience compared to the more accessible feel of the Snow switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Snow linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Snow switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience typical in gaming, the Snow switch may be a preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced depth and feedback when pressing keys, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch provides that with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer the quick response time of the shorter switch or the more substantial feel offered by the longer one.
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 Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics, the Dareu Snow linear switch is noted for its thocky profile, producing a deep, rich sound that creates an engaging typing experience. Users can expect a soft "knock" or a "thud" when the keys are pressed and released, making it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a substantial auditory feedback. Additionally, its neutral sound profile ensures that it is versatile enough for various contexts, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch lacks a specific sound description, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding auditory appeal. It’s important to recognize that the sound experience can vary based on the keyboard build, materials, and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation that provides spring-like feedback with its elastic response. This lively feel allows for a more engaging typing experience, as users can enjoy that rebound effect as they press the keys. The Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch does not have a defined feel description provided, which means its tactile characteristics remain speculative. This leaves a gap in the overall typing experience as it cannot be directly compared to the charming feel of the Snow switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Snow linear switch excels with its thocky sound profile and bouncy feel, appealing to those who crave a satisfying auditory and tactile typing experience. In contrast, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its smooth typing performance, its specific sound and feel qualities are unknown, leaving potential buyers to consider the Snow switch for a more immediately recognizable performance. Ultimately, selecting between the two may depend on personal preferences, and those who enjoy a rich audio experience with a lively feel may prefer the Snow switch, while those curious about the Tomcat may seek it out for its smoothness, even if the auditory experience is variable.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience coupled with a unique, thocky sound profile, the Snow switch may be your best bet. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams offers a balanced tactile feedback, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks without feeling overly taxing on your fingers. Additionally, the bouncy feel of the Snow switch can enhance your typing rhythm, providing a lively and enjoyable experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a bottom out force of 64 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch could be the right choice for you. Although it doesn't come with the same distinctive sound signature as the Snow, the resonant qualities of the Tomcat switches can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during use. Its construction with Ly stems ensures a smooth experience without the bounce typically found in other switches, making it an excellent fit for those who prefer a more subdued feel while still benefiting from a solid response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the unique auditory characteristics and bouncy feel of the Snow or the heavier actuation and smooth profile of the Tomcat (Heavy).
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