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Dareu Snow vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two impressive linear options come to the forefront: the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The Dareu Snow is distinguished by its inventive use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a deeper sound signature and a unique combination of thocky resonance and bouncy feedback. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a satisfyingly audible keystroke without sacrificing smoothness. In contrast, the WS POM+ promises an exceptional typing experience with its all-POM construction, delivering a refined buttery smoothness complemented by a deep "thock" sound signature that offers an engaging tactile experience with every press. While both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking linear switches, their distinctive sound profiles and materials might appeal to different preferences in typing feel and acoustics. 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

45g

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

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

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm extended double-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, we see distinct differences that significantly influence their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Snow features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which offers a low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, outperforming both POM and nylon in various performance metrics. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM for its top housing, known for producing a unique, deeper sound that is relatively muted. While both materials provide smoothness, the POK's superior wear and shock resistance contribute to a distinctive clacky feel, which may not replicate the subdued resonance offered by the POM top housing.

Both switches incorporate unique bottom housings that further define their sound and tactile response. The Snow employs a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, more enveloping audio profile, whereas the WS POM+ uses a POM bottom housing that also delivers a pleasing sound but leans towards a more muted quality. Despite these differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience, particularly in how they manage the bottom-out feel during typing. The softer nylon of the Snow enhances the rounded sound, while POM's properties create flatter acoustics, essentially achieving contrasting interpretations of depth in sound.

Ultimately, the differing materials used in the top and bottom housings of each switch yield distinctive yet complementary results. In the Dareu Snow, the combination of POK and nylon creates a vibrant and clacky sound profile contrasted by the smoother, deeper tones produced by the WS POM+ with its POM housings. Both switches, while offering unique auditory experiences, highlight the importance of housing materials in shaping sound and feel. Users seeking a more pronounced acoustic experience might prefer the Snow for its combination of materials, while those who value a muted sound might lean towards the WS POM+. Regardless of choice, enthusiasts will find that both switches deliver an engaging typing experience shaped by their carefully selected housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are some key 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-weight option. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the WS POM+ requires less effort to press the keys, appealing to those who may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, while both switches are medium to medium-light, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the WS POM+ offer a softer typing experience compared to the more substantial feel of the Dareu Snow. Therefore, users seeking a lighter feel and less fatigue during prolonged use might gravitate toward the WS POM+, while those desiring a stronger push and more feedback may find the Snow switch more satisfying.

Travel distance

The Dareu Snow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Snow the shorter option between the two. The difference in travel distance can affect the overall feel of the switch; those who prioritize rapid response times might prefer the Dareu Snow for its shorter travel, potentially allowing for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the WS POM+, with its longer travel, may provide a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to users who appreciate a deeper press. Therefore, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: gamers seeking speed might opt for the Snow, whereas those who desire a more traditional feel might lean toward the WS POM+.

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 Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 switch is distinguished by its thocky profile, producing a deep and rich sound that resonates with each keystroke. The low-pitched quality lends a mellow tone to its acoustic experience, making it appealing for users who enjoy a more bass-heavy typing sound. This switch strikes a balance between being neutral enough for various environments while still offering that satisfying auditory feedback. Comparatively, while the sound description for the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is not provided, it is suggested to deliver a deep "thock" sound signature. If we assume it shares a similar acoustic character, users can expect a robust auditory experience akin to that of the Snow, but the absence of specific descriptors leaves some room for uncertainty.

Regarding feel, the Snow switch stands out with its bouncy characteristic, providing a spring-like sensation that enhances the tactile feedback during use. This elastic quality contributes to a lively feel, making each keypress somewhat invigorating and responsive to the user’s actions. In contrast, there is no specific detailing on the feel of the WS POM+, which potentially leaves it up to speculation. If it offers a similarly smooth keystroke as suggested, users might find it comparable in terms of general typing fluidity, but the absence of descriptors prevents a definitive conclusion.

In summary, both the Dareu Snow and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches likely offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Snow explicitly noted for its thocky sound and deeper acoustic signature. While the Snow excels in tactile feedback with its bouncy feel, the WS POM+ remains an unknown in this regard. Overall, if sound and tactile experience are pivotal to your keyboard use, both switches promise engaging options; however, the Snow provides more tangible traits, making it easier to predict what users might enjoy.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a switch that has a deeper sound signature with a satisfying thock, as well as a bouncy feel that provides a lively typing experience, then the Dareu Snow is your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams means that it offers a balanced resistance that can accommodate both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a more medium-light feel with a slightly lower actuation force of 55 grams, the WS POM+ might be more suitable for you. This switch delivers an incredibly smooth keystroke, and while it lacks the detailed sound signatures of the Snow, it compensates with its own satisfying tactile feedback. In essence, choose the Snow for a robust auditory experience and a lively touch, while considering the WS POM+ for a softer, smooth typing experience that leans towards comfort and ease.

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