TTC Gold Silver vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Snow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and precise bottom-out with each keystroke, encapsulating a sense of closure and speed. On the other hand, the Snow switch boasts a unique use of POK material for a deeper sound signature, providing a smooth linear typing experience. While the Gold Silver is polished, thocky, and silky, the Snow switch is thocky, neutral, and bouncy. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Snow both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, the Snow's POK top housing offers a smoother and clackier typing experience, as well as exceptional durability with wear resistance surpassing that of POM. While both switches use nylon bottom housings, they each provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's sound-absorbing properties. Despite the similarities in material choice for the bottom housing, the Gold Silver and the Snow offer unique typing experiences based on their top housing materials.
The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Snow's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability, offering a different tactile and auditory feedback for users. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the two due to the different top housing materials. Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gold Silver and the Snow contributes to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences.
In terms of material strength and shock resistance, the Snow's POK top housing outperforms the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches offer unique benefits based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Gold Silver may provide a crisper sound profile and sharper typing experience, while the Snow offers smooth and clacky switches with exceptional durability. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Silver and the Snow will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Silver's force is not specified, while the Snow requires 60 grams for a full press. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Silver switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Snow switch for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The Gold Silver switch may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel due to its longer travel distance, while the Snow switch offers a slightly quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth versus speed of response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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.
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, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Snow switches are described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile suitable for various settings. While other factors like the keyboard and keycaps can influence the overall sound experience, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, emphasizing smoothness, reduced friction, and gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Snow switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback and lively feel when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Overall, whether you opt for the TTC Gold Silver or the Dareu Snow linear switch, you can expect a high level of quality in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness, precise bottom-out, and fluid keystrokes with a resonant sound signature, while the Snow stands out with its innovative use of POK material and deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, as both offer exceptional qualities that enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value rapid responsiveness, precise actuation, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver switch would be the better choice for you. Its shortened travel and smooth keystrokes make it ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a switch made with innovative materials like POK, the Dareu Snow switch might be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy typing feel, the Snow switch offers a lively feedback sensation that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which features and characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences.
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