Dareu Snow vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Snow and TTC Yunhai linear switches each offer distinctive features that cater to different typing preferences. The Snow switch is celebrated for its innovative POK material, which contributes to a satisfying typing experience characterized by a deeper, thocky sound signature. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more resonant audio experience while typing, complemented by its bouncy feel that encourages a lively engagement with your keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai is designed for those who favor a feather-light touch, boasting a gentle actuation force that makes each keystroke feel effortless. Its deep, rounded sound profile enhances the overall typing experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions without the strain. While both switches provide smooth linear action, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference: whether one favors a richer acoustic feedback with the Snow or the laid-back ease of the Yunhai. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Snow and the TTC Yunhai, a notable distinction arises in the choice of materials used for their top housings. The Snow utilizes a POK material, known for its extremely low coefficient of friction and high wear and shock resistance, which enhances both the durability and tactile feel of the switches. In contrast, the Yunhai employs nylon for its top housing, a material celebrated for its sound-dampening qualities and softer touch. While the POK material provides a smoother experience overall, the nylon's properties produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in substantially different user experiences. Therefore, the top housing plays a critical role in shaping how individuals perceive the act of typing on these switches.
Interestingly, both the Dareu Snow and TTC Yunhai share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality presents a unique opportunity; the characteristics of nylon can deliver a consistent sound signature that is reflected in both switches. The softness of nylon ensures a duller, rounder sound, contributing to a pleasant auditory experience during typing. With both switches benefiting from the sonic absorption properties of nylon, they will likely elicit similar auditory responses despite their differing top housing materials.
In terms of overall performance, the distinction in top housing materials results in a blend of experiences from each switch. The Dareu Snow offers a smoother tactile feel with heightened durability due to the POK material on top, whereas the Yunhai prioritizes sound quality with its nylon top housing. Since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, users can expect a cohesive sound signature when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in the top materials. This results in a unique interplay of sound and tactility, demonstrating how the combination of materials influences the overall performance and character of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Snow switch features a medium actuation force of 50 grams, along with a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Yunhai switch is on the lighter end of the spectrum with an actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter feel may find the Yunhai switch more comfortable for extended use, as it requires less force to actuate, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Snow switch, with its heavier forces, may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a firmer push. Ultimately, while both switches have different weight characteristics, they suit different preferences—those favoring a lighter touch would lean towards the TTC Yunhai, whereas those who prefer a stronger feel might opt for the Dareu Snow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences are notable. The Dareu Snow features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Snow the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Yunhai, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feedback that some users prefer for a hearty typing experience. Thus, while the Snow may offer a quick and snappy feel, the Yunhai could be better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keypresses.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the Dareu Snow linear switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched qualities, delivering a deep and resonant typing experience that many users find satisfying. This deep "thud" and mellow tone enhances the overall ambiance when typing, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, but it is noted for its deep, rounded sound profile. Although the exact acoustic qualities of the Yunhai are less defined, users can expect a similarly deep sound when engaging with this switch, which can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices you make.
Feel-wise, the Dareu Snow switch has been described as bouncy, providing an elastic feedback sensation that offers a lively and responsive typing experience. This bounciness may appeal to typists who enjoy a bit of rebound and a more dynamic feel to their keypresses. In contrast, details about the feel of the Yunhai switch were not specified, which leaves a gap in understanding how it might compare in the tactile realm. However, given their lightweight actuation force, it can be inferred that the Yunhai potentially offers a smooth and easy keystroke without the same level of tactile feedback as the Snow.
Overall, both the Dareu Snow and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to a niche of typists who prioritize sound and feel in their typing experience. The Snow offers a clearly defined deep sound and a bouncy feel, creating a symphony of sensory feedback that enhances the typing experience. The Yunhai's less defined sound quality paired with its light actuation force provides an effortless experience that may appeal to those who favor gentle finishes. With similar deep sound characteristics and considering their unique textures, both switches can produce rewarding typing experiences for newcomers, depending on their specific preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Snow and TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you enjoy a medium actuation force paired with a rich, thocky sound and a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow is an excellent choice for you. The use of POK material not only enhances its durability but also contributes to a deeper auditory profile that many find satisfying, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch that allows for quick key presses with minimal effort, the TTC Yunhai is likely to be more suitable. Its lower actuation force combined with a rounded sound profile provides a pleasant and gentle typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth and effortless feel without compromising on quality. In the end, consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard, as both switches cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
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