Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Snow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw is loved for its creamy yet lightweight feel, thanks to its Nylon and UMPE top housing and UMPE bottom housing with a touch of Silicon. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow boasts a deeper sound signature due to its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem. The Keygeek Raw is categorized as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', while the Snow is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of typists; 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Dareu Snow both feature unique housing materials that directly impact the overall performance and sound of the switches. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Snow features a POK material known for its smoothness and durability. While both materials offer exceptional wear resistance, the POK material in the Snow surpasses Nylon in shock resistance, making it a top choice for those looking for a reliable and sturdy switch.
In terms of bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw sets itself apart with a UMPE & Si blend, while the Dareu Snow opts for a classic nylon material. The use of nylon in the Snow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw may offer a different typing experience, potentially impacting the overall feel and sound of the switch.
Overall, the different housing materials in the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Snow switches bring unique qualities to each switch. While the Keygeek Raw focuses on exclusivity and unique blends, the Dareu Snow prioritizes smoothness and durability with its POK and nylon materials. Regardless of these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch have some similarities and differences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is considered medium. In comparison, the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling into the medium category as well. In terms of weight, the Snow is slightly lighter than the Keygeek Raw due to the lower actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Snow may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Keygeek Raw. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that the Keygeek Raw has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 3.3 mm of the Snow switch. While the difference may seem minor, it can impact the typing or gaming experience for users. Generally, a shorter travel distance results in faster response times, which is preferred by gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel. In this case, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offers a neutral profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch delivers a thocky sound with a deeper, more satisfying tone thanks to its POK material construction. Depending on your preference for sound, the Keygeek Raw would be a versatile choice, while the Snow would provide a more immersive typing experience with its low-pitched and thocky sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw provides a textured and slightly scratchy typing experience that may appeal to those looking for feedback when pressing the keys. Additionally, it offers a mild and subtle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. Depending on whether you prefer a more textured or bouncy typing experience, each switch caters to different preferences in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and Dareu Snow linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw offers a neutral sound profile with a textured and mild typing feel, the Dareu Snow stands out with its thocky sound signature and bouncy feedback sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel – both switches provide quality performance that is likely to result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prefer a switch with a unique material blend for a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that produces a deeper, thocky sound with POK material, the Dareu Snow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, make your decision based on your preference for feel and sound, as both switches offer medium bottom out forces and can cater to different typing preferences. Explore and test out both switches to find the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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