Outemu Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and Dareu Violet Gold Pro are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that provides a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile. The Violet Gold Pro is often seen as the "Goldilocks" tactile option, striking a balance between feedback and comfort. While the Red switch may appeal to those who prefer a consistent keystroke without any distractions, the Violet Gold Pro is ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of tactile response during typing sessions. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. The similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches will offer a similar sound profile and visual aesthetic.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Outemu Red and Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ slightly. The Red features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro also has a nylon bottom housing, leading to a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches will offer a similar tactile typing experience.
Despite the differences in bottom housing, both the Outemu Red and Dareu Violet Gold Pro benefit from the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This split between top and bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Red switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force at 46 grams, compared to the Violet Gold Pro at 45 grams. However, the Red switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Red switch, as it requires slightly less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Violet Gold Pro, as the actuation force is slightly higher. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the weight of force required, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Red being slightly longer than the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, while others who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Red. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, with the main difference being the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer minimal noise while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between auditory feedback and overall quietness. Both switches should provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Red being quieter overall compared to the slightly more audible Violet Gold Pro.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Red switch is praised for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a linear typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile sensation, giving users a subtle bump during actuation while still maintaining a relatively light touch. This difference in feel allows for a more varied typing experience with the Violet Gold Pro compared to the consistent keystrokes of the Red linear switch.
Overall, the Outemu Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences with their differences in sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with no tactile feedback, the Red switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a more balanced tactile sensation with a moderate sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches are well-regarded within the mechanical keyboard community and will provide reliable performance for a wide range of typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with no tactile feedback, the Outemu Red linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams would be a good choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced typing experience with its medium tactility, making it a versatile option for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a linear switch like the Red or a tactile switch like the Violet Gold Pro for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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