Dareu Snow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Dareu Snow, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, a tactile switch. The Snow switch is known for its use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth typing experience. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Snow switch offers a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch from Wuque Studio is designed for office environments, providing medium tactility and superior noise reduction without the use of silicone dampeners. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Muted', this switch offers a silent yet crisp typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, with the Snow switch focusing on sound and smoothness, while the WS Silent Tactile emphasizes quiet operation and tactile feedback. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Snow utilizes POK material, known for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a clacky and durable switch experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively. While both materials provide durability, the Snow's POK material may offer a smoother typing experience compared to the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Snow and the WS Silent Tactile opt for nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer composition. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The choice of nylon for both switches' bottom housing indicates a focus on enhancing the overall typing experience through sound profile manipulation, despite other potential differences in performance between the two switches.
Interestingly, the split between different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The Dareu Snow's combination of POK top housing and nylon bottom housing may result in a smoother typing experience with a clacky sound profile. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile's utilization of nylon for both top and bottom housing may offer a consistent, deeper sound profile throughout typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both housing materials bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The comparison between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch reveals some key differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Dareu Snow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile has an unknown actuation force but a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Snow for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the WS Silent Tactile. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their force requirements, allowing users to customize their keyboard to fit their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Dareu Snow, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the WS Silent Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, which provides a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides a neutral and muted sound, ideal for quiet environments such as offices. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile suitable for various users, with the Snow switch leaning towards a deeper tone compared to the WS Silent Tactile.
When it comes to feel, the Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet provides a satisfying feedback. The WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as invigorating, providing a snappy and reactive feel, while the Snow switch focuses more on the bouncy sensation.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a deeper sound and a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with medium tactility and an invigorating feel, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth linear switch with a deep sound signature and a medium bottom out force, then the Dareu Snow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a silent yet tactile typing experience with precision-engineered stem railings for noise reduction and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the innovative use of POK material in the Snow or the unmatched combination of quiet operation and tactile feedback in the WS Silent Tactile. Choose the switch that best fits your typing style and environment to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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