Dareu Snow vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options to consider are the Dareu Snow and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Dareu Snow switch, a linear variant, is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material, which contributes to a smooth typing experience accompanied by a deeper sound signature. Users seeking a thocky, neutral, and bouncy feel will find the Snow switch particularly appealing for both gaming and typing scenarios. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience while still appreciating a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, personal preferences will guide your decision: if you favor a smooth and quieter keystroke, the Snow might be your pick, while those who love a tactile sensation may opt for the Weightlessness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and Gateron Weightlessness, notable differences stand out, particularly in the top housings. The Dareu Snow features a top housing made of POK, or polyketone, celebrated for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a sensation that is slightly slicker than the Gateron Weightlessness's nylon top housing, which has a coefficient of 0.03. The POK material’s superior wear resistance and shock absorption contribute to a switch that feels exceptionally robust while delivering a delightful clacky sound upon keystrokes. In contrast, the Weightlessness's nylon top housing, while classic and reliable, emphasizes a softer and deeper sound profile, making it less focused on the assertive feedback that POK can provide.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, reflect a shared material choice of nylon. This uniformity means that both the Snow and Weightlessness will elicit a similar auditory experience when typing. Nylon's inherent properties allow for a deeper and fuller sound profile, significantly affecting the overall acoustic signature when the switch bottoms out. The material's capacity to absorb sound lends itself to a rounder, more muted activation experience in both switches. This mutual reliance on nylon for the bottom housing ensures that despite their differing top materials, both switches convey a comparable bottom-out feel and sound.
In summary, while the Dareu Snow and Gateron Weightlessness diverge in the choice of top housing—POK versus nylon—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing delivers a common auditory experience upon actuation. The POK top housing's durability aids in producing a crisper sound when released, distinguishing it from the Weightlessness's focus on a softer tone. As such, users might find that while both switches present unique characteristics due to their differing materials, they also benefit from a shared foundation of nylon, resulting in similar outcomes in terms of sound when pressing keys down to the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's interesting to note that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users of either switch will experience a similar typing feel in terms of the force required to register a keystroke, making them equally suitable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; while the Snow switch has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch remains unknown. This uncertainty could affect the overall typing experience, as users might not experience the same tactile feedback when fully pressing the key. In terms of weight, the Dareu Snow, with a bottom out force of 60 grams, is the heavier option, providing a more substantial feel during use; conversely, the Weightlessness switch's specifications suggest a potentially lighter experience, making it preferable for those who favor a lighter touch. Overall, while both switches offer similar actuation forces, the Snow's known bottom out force contributes to a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Snow switch is marginally shorter, offering a more responsive feel that can be appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation times. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch, with its 3.4 mm distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience, offering a bit more depth that some users find gratifying. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Dareu Snow would be a better fit, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Gateron Weightlessness.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 considering the sound profile, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its distinctive thocky quality, characterized by a deep and satisfying sound that mimics a soft thud upon keypress. This acoustic signature can contribute to a more immersive typing experience, particularly appealing for those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback. The Snow switch also offers a neutral sound variant that suits various environments and preferences, making it versatile whether for home or office use. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch does not have a specified sound profile, but its balanced audio characteristics are designed to complement its tactile feel, suggesting a sound that remains unobtrusive yet pleasant.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Snow switch features a bouncy sensation that provides a lively, spring-like response when pressed. This quality can enhance the typing experience by making each keystroke feel more engaging and responsive, ideal for users who favor a smooth yet dynamic feel. The Gateron Weightlessness switch, while lacking detailed specifications on its feel, is characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile response. This implies a less pronounced feedback than the Snow, making it suitable for typists who prefer a gentler tactile experience without overwhelming resistance.
In summary, the Dareu Snow linear switch excels in providing a deeper, thocky sound accompanied by a bouncy and lively feel, making it ideal for those seeking a rich auditory and tactile experience. The Gateron Weightlessness switch, while offering a more muted sound profile, delivers a subtle tactile feedback that caters to users looking for smoothness rather than pronounced response. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, personal preference will play a significant role, as both can deliver satisfying results depending on the individual’s typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a smooth typing experience with a satisfying, thocky sound and a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow switch is your best bet. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams strikes a balance that many find comfortable, making it an excellent option for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you favor tactile feedback and prefer a subtler, more moderate feel when you press a key, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be more suitable for your typing style. While the Weightlessness’s bottom-out force remains unspecified, its balanced sound profile ensures that you won’t disrupt your environment while typing. In essence, choose the Snow switch for a lively and resonant experience, whereas the Weightlessness will cater to those who appreciate a gentle tactile sensation without overwhelming noise. Your selection should align with how you engage with your keyboard, whether it be for intensive gaming or daily office work.
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