Dareu Snow vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Dareu Snow is recognized for its linear design, made with innovative POK material, which contributes to a smooth and bouncy typing experience coupled with a deeper sound profile. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a quiet and fluid keystroke without the tactile feedback, making it a great choice for gaming or extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB leverages a tactile design that features a pronounced bump and a satisfying "thock" sound upon bottoming out, combined with a stealthy lift-off sound. This switch appeals to those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience with audible feedback, often favored by typists who appreciate the sensation of each key press. Both switches have their unique advantages depending on personal preference, 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
3.60 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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, one notable difference lies in their top housings. The Snow utilizes POK (polyketone) material, which boasts exceptional durability and a coefficient of friction that makes it one of the smoothest options available—0.04 compared to LY's 0.03. This contributes to a highly responsive feel, significantly enhanced by its impressive wear and shock resistance, promoting longevity in performance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features a proprietary “boba plastic” blend for its top housing. While this blend does not match the durability metrics of POK, it emphasizes softness, which is specifically engineered to craft a rich and deep sound profile. Therefore, while the Snow may excel in durability and smoothness, the U4Tx RGB focuses on providing a unique acoustic experience.
Both switches boast nylon as their bottom housing material, which cultivates a contrasting auditory experience compared to their top housings. The Dareu Snow's nylon bottom material plays a pivotal role in producing a deep and full sound profile due to its capacity to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a rounder and more unified typing experience. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's proprietary blend in the bottom housing also focuses on achieving a rich and deep sound profile. Consequently, while the top housing materials diverge in function and design, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users experience fullness in sound while typing.
Ultimately, the differentiation in sound and tactile feedback between the Dareu Snow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can be attributed to the unique properties of their respective top housing materials combined with their identical bottom housings. The POK material in the Snow offers a tactile and smooth experience, while the U4Tx RGB's softer "boba plastic" creates a unique acoustic profile that enhances the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the impact of the bottom housing will resonate similarly, providing that characteristic deep sound, while the top housing will influence the sound characteristics during release. Therefore, users can expect distinctive results that are nonetheless rooted in a shared goal of enhancing typing sound and feel through their specific material choices.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Snow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch that caters to those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it boasts a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as a medium-heavy switch. Given this information, the Snow switch is the lighter option with its lower actuation force, while the U4Tx RGB is the heavier choice due to its higher bottom out force. Users seeking a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may favor the U4Tx RGB switch, whereas those looking for comfort during long typing sessions are likely to prefer the feel of the Dareu Snow switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Dareu Snow features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Snow will provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key actuation; it allows for swifter responses during gameplay. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB's greater travel distance offers a more substantial depth, catering to those who appreciate a firmer keypress without feeling too abrupt. In essence, if you lean towards a shorter travel distance for enhanced responsiveness, the Dareu Snow is the better choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB may be preferable for users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience.
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 RGB 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
The sound profile of the Dareu Snow linear switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched quality, producing a satisfying deep "thud" when pressed. This creates a rich acoustic experience that many users find enjoyable, especially in a home or workspace setting. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is known for its deep “thock” sound when bottoming out, combined with a quieter top-out. This blending ensures a pleasant auditory experience, distinguishing it through a refined sound profile while maintaining a level of stealth. Both switches, while differing in specific sound characteristics, aim to deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, with the choice of keycaps and board significantly influencing the resulting sound.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Dareu Snow stands out with its bouncy action. This lively feedback gives the user a sense of springiness that can make typing feel more engaging and responsive. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB lacks a detailed description of its feel, which leaves its tactile feedback less defined. However, its design generally suggests a more refined tactile bump that is typical of tactile switches, offering a luxurious typing experience that many users appreciate. Overall, the Snow's bouncy feel creates a distinctive sensation that may appeal to gamers and typists alike, while the U4Tx RGB is likely to provide a more conventional tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Dareu Snow and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Snow offers a deeper, thocky sound profile with a bouncy, responsive feel, ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. The U4Tx RGB, on the other hand, combines a muted yet rich auditory feedback with a tactile bump that enhances typing satisfaction. While they stand apart in specific characteristics, they can each provide a rewarding experience, and the right choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as well as the typing experience you wish to achieve. If you lean towards a smooth, bouncy typing feel with a deep, rich sound, the Snow switch would be a great fit for you. Its medium actuation force provides comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. However, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a satisfying bump and a slightly heavier feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch would better cater to your desires. With its unique sound signature that balances thock and stealthiness, combined with a medium-heavy actuation force, the U4Tx evokes a luxurious typing experience that's perfect for both typing and gaming, especially in environments where you might want to enjoy a bit more presence in your keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your tactile preferences, sound expectations, and the overall typing experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.