Dareu Snow vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Snow and Gazzew U4Tx stand out as top contenders. The Snow offers a unique experience with its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a smooth linear switch that produces a deeper sound signature. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', it provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx combines the best of both worlds with a cleaner, refined sound profile that incorporates a sharp, satisfying tactile bump. With categories like 'Bassy', 'Muted', and 'Sharp', this switch offers a luxurious typing experience. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Snow's POK top housing boasts exceptional smoothness and durability, outperforming other materials like LY and Nylon. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While the Snow focuses on smoothness and durability, the U4Tx prioritizes sound quality and richness.
In terms of bottom housings, the Snow's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches offer a unique sound experience, with the bottom housings playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Despite utilizing different materials for the bottom housings, both the Snow and the U4Tx aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx offer different approaches to housing materials, with the Snow focusing on smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound while the U4Tx prioritizes richness and depth in sound. The top housings of both switches play a crucial role in the overall sound experience, with the Snow's POK material emphasizing smoothness and durability, while the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend material enhances sound richness. Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the nylon material in the Snow and the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx absorbing sound and providing a unique typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Snow switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the U4Tx which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Snow requiring 60 grams and the U4Tx requiring 62.5 grams. This means that the Snow switch would provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, while the U4Tx would offer a slightly heavier push feel when bottoming out. Some may prefer the Snow switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the U4Tx for its more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of desired weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the U4Tx's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may impact how each switch feels when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Snow with its shorter travel distance, while others who enjoy a deeper keystroke may prefer the U4Tx with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 U4Tx 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deep and thocky typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile that is rich and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch produces a bassy and muted sound, providing a deeper and more refined typing sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Snow switch leans towards a deeper and richer tone, while the U4Tx switch provides a cleaner and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Snow switch is known for its bouncy feedback, giving the keys a spring-like and lively feel with every press. In contrast, the U4Tx switch offers a sharp tactile bump that provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity, ensuring a distinct tactile sensation with each keypress. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Snow switch focusing on a bouncy and elastic feedback, while the U4Tx switch emphasizes a sharp and pronounced tactile bump.
Overall, the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Snow switch provides a deeper and thocky sound signature with a bouncy and lively feel, while the U4Tx switch delivers a bassy and muted sound with a sharp and intense tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches can choose between the Snow for a richer sound and bouncy feel, or the U4Tx for a cleaner sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer a luxurious typing experience with their own unique characteristics, ensuring a satisfying choice regardless of the selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the following factors. You may opt for the Dareu Snow if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a moderate sound profile described as thocky, neutral, and low-pitched. This switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx may be more suitable for you if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, and enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile described as bassy and muted. The U4Tx also offers a sharp tactile bump, giving you a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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