Dareu Snow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Snow switch is praised for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem, providing a deep and smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Typists can expect a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving it a buttery and resonant quality. Both switches offer a distinct 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both utilize high-quality materials for their switch housings, with the Snow featuring a POK top housing and Nylon bottom housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a proprietary KTT blend top housing and a POK bottom housing. The POK material in the Snow provides smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound profile, while the Nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, complemented by the POK bottom housing's smoothness and durability.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Snow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer a similar level of smoothness and durability. The POK material used in both switches has a coefficient of friction that makes them among the smoothest materials available, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. This ensures that both switches are able to maintain their smooth operation and clacky sound over extended periods of use. The Nylon bottom housing in the Snow and the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream both contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Nylon providing a deeper sound profile and the POK offering additional durability.
In terms of sound production, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Dareu Snow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether Nylon or POK, will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Conversely, the top housing material, whether POK or the proprietary KTT blend, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding how these housing materials influence sound and feel, users can choose the switch that best matches their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Snow has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Snow requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter switch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Snow due to its heavier forces, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable. Considerations about weight are important as they can impact typing comfort and endurance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. The Snow switch may provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, which could be preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may offer a more deliberate and deeper key press, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience is preferred.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 deep, thocky sound that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches have unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences - the Snow with its low-pitched tones and the Vanilla Ice Cream with its resonant, marbly sound. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the deep thock of the Snow or the sharp clack of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, giving typists a smooth and fluid keystroke experience reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience in different ways - the Snow with its bouncy feel and the Vanilla Ice Cream with its creamy, effortless sensation. Depending on your preference for typing feel, you can choose between the bouncy feedback of the Snow or the buttery smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Overall, the Dareu Snow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each offer their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Snow switch provides a deep, thocky sound and a bouncy feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched, clacky sound and a buttery, creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deep or high-pitched sound and a bouncy or smooth typing experience, you can choose between these two switches for a tailored mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches offer top-tier performance in their own right, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a deeper, low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy typing feel, the Snow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile with a buttery or creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best match for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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