Dareu Snow vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Snow and the KTT Wine Red are two popular options to consider. The Dareu Snow is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is also a linear switch known for its pillowy light feel and deep, rich sound profile. Categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and durability in their design. The Snow utilizes POK material for its top housing, which offers smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, contributing to a clacky and durable switch. On the other hand, the Wine Red features polycarbonate in its top housing, providing a crisp and resonant sound profile, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. While the materials differ in terms of specific sound profiles and aesthetics, both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Snow utilizes nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Wine Red employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in sound profiles between these two materials highlights their unique characteristics and how they contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Snow and KTT Wine Red feature different housing materials for their top and bottom, both switches prioritize sound quality and durability. The combination of POK and nylon in the Snow and polycarbonate in the Wine Red provides users with a variety of sound profiles to choose from, depending on their preferences. Whether it's a clacky and smooth typing experience with the Snow or a crisp and resonant sound with the Wine Red, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 44 grams. On the other hand, the Snow has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Snow slightly heavier in terms of the amount of force needed to bottom out, while the Wine Red is lighter in comparison. This means that the Snow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Wine Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming.In conclusion, while both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force, the Snow is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Wine Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and the amount of force they are comfortable with.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Wine Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of preferences, gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Dareu Snow switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the KTT Wine Red switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, which results in a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a rich and deep tone when typing. Both switches provide a similar deep and rich sound, making them ideal choices for those who appreciate a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that adds to the typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, based on the information provided, it can be assumed that the Wine Red switch may offer a pillowy light type feel, given its satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Snow and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer a deep and rich sound profile, with the Snow switch providing a bouncy and lively feel, while the specific feel of the Wine Red switch remains unknown. Ultimately, if you are looking for a linear switch with a deep and satisfying sound profile, either of these switches would be a great choice, and you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality between the two. Be sure to consider other factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices to further enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a rich and bassy sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or bottom out force in your keyboard switch selection.
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