Outemu Brown vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Brown and Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their key features. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prefer a balanced typing experience. While the Brown switch falls under a general category, the Violet Gold Pro switch is categorized as "Stepped" and "Neutral". Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall design. However, the nylon bottom housings of the Brown and Violet Gold Pro offer a deeper and fuller sound experience, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. Despite the differences in material for the bottom housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience with a combination of sharp top housing sound and deep bottom housing sound.
While the polycarbonate top housings of the Outemu Brown and Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the key distinction lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound that differs from the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound experience, showcasing the difference in sound profiles between the two switches. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical switches.
Overall, the Outemu Brown and Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase how the combination of different housing materials can create a unique typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the distinction in their nylon bottom housings highlights the diverse sound profiles that each switch offers. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide a blend of qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical switches, making them an essential aspect to consider when choosing the right switch for your keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch requires a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Brown requires 65 grams while the bottom out force for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is unknown. The Outemu Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Outemu Brown has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be more suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Brown being slightly longer than the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific reputation or descriptor, making it a bit of a wildcard in terms of noise level. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which is considered moderate and suitable for various typing scenarios. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Brown switch lacks a detailed description of its tactile feedback. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is characterized as having a stepped tactile feel. This means that the switch provides a two-stage tactility, offering a more subtle experience compared to switches with a more pronounced tactile bump. Users may notice some pre-travel and post-travel sensations while pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a tactile typing experience. If you enjoy a neutral sound profile and prefer a stepped tactile feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch may be a suitable option for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a more mysterious sound signature and feedback, the Outemu Brown switch could also provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a test keyboard may be the best way to determine which one suits your preferences the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch that is best known for consistency, then the Outemu Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it an ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may be more suited to your preferences. When it comes to sound and feel, the Brown and Violet Gold Pro switches offer different characteristics, with the Brown having a tactile sound profile and a smooth feel, while the Violet Gold Pro has a neutral sound profile and a stepped feel. Ultimately, consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure you have a satisfying typing experience.
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