Dareu Snow vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between models that offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Dareu Snow switch is renowned for its innovative POK material, providing a deeper sound profile that delivers a "thocky" character, making it perfect for those who appreciate a rich acoustic feedback while typing. Its neutral and bouncy feel enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, appealing to users seeking comfort and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a contrasting yet captivating experience with its heavier design. Featuring a PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustic profile and a POM stem that adds a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, this switch brings a subtle sophistication to typing, appealing to those who prefer a more precise and refined sound. Both switches have their charm, with the Snow catering to the deep thock-loving typists, while the Xinhai (Heavy) resonates with a crowd that enjoys a cleaner, sharper note. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Dareu Snow Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one notable aspect is the difference in the top housing material. The Dareu Snow employs a polyketone (POK) top housing, which features exceptional durability and wear resistance, being significantly stronger than typical materials like POM and nylon. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a smooth feel during key presses, allowing for a clacky typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its top housing. This traditional material is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, leading to a more muted acoustic experience. Thus, while both switches provide quality typing experiences, the Dareu Snow aims for durability and smoothness, while the HMX Xinhai focuses on enhanced acoustics.

Interestingly, both the Dareu Snow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) use nylon for their bottom housings, which promotes a similar sound profile in this aspect. Being made of nylon, both switches benefit from a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder counterparts; this commonality ensures a duller and rounder sound when typing. The impact of the bottom housing's material is critical, as it primarily influences the bottom-out feel and sound. Consequently, users can expect a consistent acoustic signature from both switches from the bottom housing perspective, even though the top housings diverge in their materials and resultant qualities.

This combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings contributes to how each switch performs overall. The differences in the Dareu Snow’s POK top housing and Xinhai's nylon top housing may lead to unique experiences during play and typing, with one focusing on smoothness and durability while the other prioritizes acoustic depth. Nevertheless, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ties the overall experience together. While the tactile and sound characteristics differ on actuation, the cohesion of nylon in both switches allows them to deliver a satisfying experience, maintaining both similarities and differences that appeal to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Snow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience that caters to users looking for a moderate feel. In contrast, the Xinhai switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option of the two. This additional force may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile feedback and a substantial push feel while typing. While both switches are categorized as medium, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Xinhai switch suggest that it may be better suited for individuals who enjoy a firmer key press, whereas the lighter Snow switch might be preferable for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The Dareu Snow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Snow switch provides a shorter travel distance by 0.1 mm compared to the Xinhai, which can result in a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key—a desirable trait for gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the Xinhai's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more pronounced keypress, offering a tactile sensation that some may find more satisfying. Therefore, if quicker actuation is your priority, the Dareu Snow may be the better choice, while the HMX Xinhai suit those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Dareu Snow linear switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched qualities. When you type on this switch, you can expect a deep and rich sound, reminiscent of a satisfying thud or soft knock. This deeper sound signature is enhanced by the POK material used in both the housing and stem, contributing to its bass-heavy acoustics. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is less defined based on current information. However, the unique PA12 top housing suggests it might provide a softer acoustic profile, potentially resulting in a different tonal experience. Overall, while the Snow offers a pronounced thocky sound, the Xinhai's acoustic qualities remain uncertain.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch impresses with a bouncy sensation, creating an elastic feedback that provides a lively typing experience. This quality can enhance the overall typing dynamics, making each keystroke feel more engaging and responsive. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch, however, lacks detailed information regarding its feel, leaving a gap in this comparison. Users might need to try the switch to assess tactile feedback accurately, whereas the Snow’s bounciness is a clear characteristic that can be confidently anticipated.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Snow and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches present distinct attributes that cater to different preferences. The Snow excels with its thocky sound profile and bouncy feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a deep, satisfying acoustics and lively feedback. The Xinhai (Heavy), while still unknown in certain aspects, hints at a more subtle sound with potentially softer acoustics. Choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize the pronounced characteristics of the Snow or if you're curious to discover what the Xinhai brings to the table in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a deeper, thocky sound signature and enjoy a bouncy feedback that makes typing feel lively and engaging, the Snow switch is a fantastic choice. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists, offering a satisfying experience at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel paired with crisp acoustics and a more refined sound profile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its 62.5 grams of bottom-out force, may suit you better. It’s ideal for users looking for a blend of sophistication and performance in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal taste in sound, feel, and typing dynamics, so consider trying both to determine which aligns best with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more