Dareu Snow vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Dareu Snow and the HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Dareu Snow switch is distinguished by its innovative POK material in both the top housing and stem, delivering a deeper, thocky sound profile that many typists find satisfying. Its balanced characteristics make it a versatile choice, ideal for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience paired with a low-pitched, bouncy feel. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight switch boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, producing a quieter typing experience while still maintaining the signature clacky feel associated with HMX switches. This may appeal to users who desire a more subtle auditory feedback yet still want the benefits of a linear switch. With such differences in sound and feel, each switch has its own advantages depending on your typing style and environment. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and HMX Twilight switches feature distinctly different top housing materials, which allows each to produce unique characteristics during use. The Snow uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which boasts a remarkably low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and 2.3 times more shock resistant than Nylon. This translates into smoother key presses while providing a distinct clacky sound profile, making it ideal for users who value speed and responsiveness. In contrast, the Twilight employs a nylon top housing, traditionally known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound better than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the choice of housing material in each switch fundamentally influences both the tactile sensation and the auditory feedback users experience.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a significant point of similarity. Both the Dareu Snow and HMX Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material results in a consistent sound profile that resonates distinctly across both switches. The nylon bottom housing provides a dampening effect that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when the switch bottoms out, making the feedback feel satisfying and well-rounded regardless of the top housing variation. Therefore, while the top housings may differ in their textural and sonic qualities, the nylon bottom in both models delivers a consistent auditory experience that users find familiar and enjoyable.
Ultimately, users may experience a blend of these qualities when pressing down on each switch. Since the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Snow and the Twilight will resonate with the lush tones afforded by the nylon material. Conversely, as the keys are released, the distinctive characteristics of the different top materials come into play—POK in the Dareu Snow contributing to a snappier sound, while the nylon in the HMX Twilight provides a smoother letting-off experience. Consequently, even though the materials diverge at the top housing level, the shared attributes of the nylon bottom housing allow both switches to provide similar overall sound profiles while offering users distinct tactile sensations during the key press.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Snow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it in the medium range. In contrast, the Twilight switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, the Twilight switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Snow switch provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier forces. Users who prefer a firmer push may find the Snow switch more appealing, whereas those seeking a lighter touch would favor the HMX Twilight. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlight their unique tactile experiences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Snow switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Twilight, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize quicker response times. The Twilight, with its longer 3.85 mm travel, provides a more pronounced keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, if you are after a more responsive feel, the Snow would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper, more substantial press, the Twilight would likely be more appealing.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
Regarding sound, the Dareu Snow linear switch boasts a deep and resonant profile, attributed to its POK material construction, which results in a thocky, low-pitched sound when typing. This makes it particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a richer, more profound auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound. While it might not produce the same level of depth as the Snow switch, the Twilight maintains some clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. However, it's important to consider that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
As for the feel, the Dareu Snow switch is characterized by a bouncy sensation that provides an enjoyable and springy feedback when pressed. This lively feeling allows for a responsive typing experience, enhancing the tactile engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch remains unspecified at this time, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. Without any descriptive qualities available for the Twilight, it's hard to determine if it offers a similar level of responsiveness or user engagement.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Snow linear switch excels in delivering a thocky sound and a bouncy feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a quieter typing experience with its longer travel distance. Due to the unknown aspects of the Twilight's sound and feel characteristics, users may find themselves leaning towards the Snow for its definitive auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences, and users will need to consider how their specific typing styles and experiences with their keyboards might shape their choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking from your keyboard. If you appreciate a deeper sound signature and a more substantial typing feel, the Snow switch is an excellent option, thanks to its 60-gram bottom-out force and its unique POK material that enhances both sound and tactile feedback. The bouncy feel of the Snow will likely appeal to you if you enjoy a lively typing experience, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions or gaming that benefits from a satisfying feedback loop. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a gentler sound profile, the HMX Twilight switch is your go-to. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and extended 3.85mm travel distance, it provides a quieter operation while keeping the engagement feel neutral and comfortable, ideal for both casual typing and office environments where noise may be a factor. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, whether you lean towards the expressive and pronounced feedback of the Snow or the subtlety and gentle engagement of the Twilight.
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