Dareu Snow vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Dareu Snow stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. With a categorization of 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', this switch offers a smooth linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp', this switch offers a unique blend of auditory and tactile satisfaction. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4T, it is clear that both switches prioritize providing a rich and deep sound profile. The Snow utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing that delivers a similar rich sound profile due to its softness. However, the Snow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
In terms of durability, the Dareu Snow's POK top housing boasts exceptional strength with wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, surpassing Nylon by 2.3 times and POM by 1.4 times in shock resistance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary plastic blend top housing, referred to as "boba plastic," prioritizes providing a rich sound profile due to its softness. While the Snow focuses on durability and smoothness, the U4T prioritizes sound quality, highlighting the different approaches each switch takes in terms of housing materials.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is essential to recognize that the bottom and top housings play different roles. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Both the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4T take advantage of their respective housing materials to create unique typing experiences for users, with the Snow emphasizing durability and smoothness and the U4T focusing on providing a rich and deep sound profile.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Snow requires 60 grams while the U4T needs 65 grams for a key press to fully register. This means that the U4T is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Snow may be the better option. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the U4T may be more suitable due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Snow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a more responsive typing experience, especially gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the U4T's longer travel distance may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press with a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Snow offering a shorter travel distance and the U4T providing a 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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, emitting a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, creating a rich and intense auditory response during typing. Both switches offer a pleasant sound signature, with the Snow being deeper and the U4T having a more assertive tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Snow switch gives a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that makes typing feel lively and responsive. In comparison, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a sharp tactile bump that delivers a strong and crisp feedback intensity with every keypress. While the Snow focuses on a bouncy and elastic feel, the U4T excels in providing a sharp and distinct tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Snow switch presents a deeper and bouncy typing experience, while the U4T switch delivers a more intense and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Snow linear switch or the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a deeper sound signature, the Snow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassy 'thock' sound profile, and assertive tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience, the U4T could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider how each switch aligns with your typing needs before making a decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and brings you the most satisfaction.
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