Dareu Snow vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Dareu Snow and a tactile switch such as the Gazzew U4 can significantly influence your typing experience. The Snow switch is celebrated for its smooth, linear action facilitated by an innovative POK material used in both its top housing and stem, providing a deeper, thocky sound signature that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 offers a tactile experience with its sharp bump and plush bottom-out sensation, all while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback with minimal noise. While the Snow is ideal for those who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes and a bouncy feel, the U4 appeals to users seeking tactile feedback without the auditory distractions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Snow Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4 switches utilize markedly different materials for their top housings, which contributes to their individual sound and tactile profiles. The Snow’s POK (polyketone) material is renowned for its smoothness and exceptionally high durability, outpacing typical materials like POM and Nylon in shock resistance and wear resistance. The Snow's POK top housing features a coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it one of the smoothest on the market. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material is softer than POK, yielding a rich and deeper sound profile, though it may not be as durable or resilient under heavy use. While both top housings are designed for smooth keystrokes, the approach each switch takes toward durability and sound production is significantly different, with the Snow prioritizing longevity and slick operation, while the U4 emphasizes auditory richness.

When it comes to the bottom housing, Dareu Snow and Gazzew U4 showcase more parallels. Both switches utilize softer materials conducive to producing a fuller sound profile. The Snow’s nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder audio quality, while the U4’s proprietary blend also creates a deep and rich sound experience. This soft material choice for both switches is pivotal; it contributes to the overall acoustic character by dampening vibrations, which enhances the typing experience. Interestingly, even though the Snow uses nylon and the U4 utilizes the Gazzew blend, the end result is a noticeably similar sound, proving that the dominance of the bottom housing material can significantly shape perception, despite the discrepancies in composition.

The differences in top and bottom housing materials reveal how they collectively contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch. For both the Snow and the U4, while the POK and Gazzew top housing materials impart different tactile qualities and acoustic nuances, the synergy created by the softer bottom housings creates a commonality in sound character that can result in a similar auditory experience. Users can appreciate the nuanced differences when typing, as the Snow provides a more robust operation with a sharper release sound due to the hardness of POK, compared to the softer "boba plastic" of the U4 that offers a plush feel and muted sound. Ultimately, while distinct in material selection, both switches manage to achieve closely aligned sound profiles through their chosen bottom housings, highlighting the critical role material selection plays in keyboard switch design.

Weight

The Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch present interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Snow switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the U4's 45 grams, making the U4 feel lighter for users who prefer less resistance when typing. When it comes to bottom out force, the U4 has a bottom out of 62 grams, which is marginally heavier than the Snow's 60 grams. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall within a medium weight classification, making them suitable for a range of typing and gaming experiences. For those who like a lighter touch, the Gazzew U4 could be the preferable option, while the Dareu Snow’s heavier actuation force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel. Overall, while both switches offer similar bottom out experiences, the difference in actuation force allows for varied preferences in typing dynamics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we find that the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the U4 features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may appeal to different preferences among users; for instance, the Snow's shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the U4's deeper travel may offer a more substantial feel, which some users may find preferable for typing or gaming scenarios where tactile feedback is essential. Ultimately, if you value speed and quickness in your key presses, the Dareu Snow would be the more suitable option, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Snow switch has a unique profile characterized as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep and rich auditory experience when typing. This thocky sound has a way of delivering a satisfying "thud" upon actuation, making it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate substantial auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is designed to be more muted, producing a softer and quieter acoustic signature. Although it also shares a low-pitched quality, the U4 minimizes typical keyboard noise, making it an ideal choice for environments where discretion is important. Essentially, while both switches offer a pleasing low-pitched sound, the Snow switch is better for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the U4 caters to those seeking a quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch features a bouncy characteristic, giving users an elastic feedback sensation that lends a lively and responsive quality to each key press. This spring-like feel can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a bit of rebound with their key presses. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch focuses on delivering a sharp tactile feedback with a more defined bump. This strong, crisp tactile sensation offers clear confirmation of actuation, satisfying those who prefer a distinct feeling when they type. While both switches provide a unique tactile experience, the approach differs; the Snow encourages a softer, more springy feel, while the U4 emphasizes a more pronounced and defined tactile response.

In summary, selecting between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch hinges on both sound and feel preferences. Choose the Snow switch for a deeper, thocky sound and a lively, bouncy typing experience that reigns with a robust auditory signature. Opt for the U4 if you value subtlety, benefiting from a muted sound profile and a sharp tactile bump for clear feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory engagement or tactile precision, with both switches catering to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you find joy in a smooth and mellow typing experience, the Snow switch might be your best bet—particularly if you appreciate a thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel that adds a pleasant rebound to each keystroke. This makes it a great option for both casual typing and gaming where a rustic auditory feedback can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response with an exhilarating bump, the U4 is the way to go. Its subtle yet sharp tactile feedback is perfect for typists who enjoy a pronounced sensation with each press, while its muted sound and plush bottom-out feeling make it ideally suited for quiet environments, such as offices or shared spaces. So, weigh your desire for smooth linearity against the satisfaction of tactile feedback to determine which switch best fits your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more