TTC Flame Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame 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 TTC Flame Red and Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct experiences for users. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it a top choice for those with backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on these linear switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a polished feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches are praised for their medium tactility and light touch, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Flame Reds cater to those who prioritize visuals and a smooth typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switches are ideal for users seeking a tactile keyboard with a lighter touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one key difference is evident in their top housing materials. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Flame Red's nylon top housing may appeal to those who prefer a softer and rounder sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing may be favored by those seeking a clear and resonant sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials of both switches, they share a commonality in their use of nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both the Flame Red and the Violet Gold Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. This similarity in housing material for the bottom of the switches may lead to similar typing experiences for users of both switches. Whether typing on the Flame Red or the Violet Gold Pro, the nylon bottom housing is likely to provide a consistent and satisfying sound profile for users.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may come down to personal preferences in sound profile and aesthetics. While the Flame Red offers a softer and rounder sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Violet Gold Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Users who prioritize a deeper and fuller sound experience may lean towards the Flame Red, while those who prefer a sharper and more resonant sound profile may opt for the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red is heavier at 54 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro, where the bottom out force is unknown. The Flame Red offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience to avoid fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame 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 options fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Flame Red being slightly longer than the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers may prefer the Flame Red for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying keypress for some users. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switches are categorized as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches are described as stepped, providing a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a unique typing sensation that may appeal to those who prefer a more nuanced tactile experience.
Overall, while both switches may have different feel characteristics, they both offer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. Whether you choose the Flame Red for its smooth and clacky typing experience or the Violet Gold Pro for its balanced tactile feedback, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Flame Red if you prioritize a visually stunning experience with its light diffuser, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. These switches offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making them ideal for those who enjoy a medium-light bottom out force. On the other hand, choose the Violet Gold Pro if you prefer a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a fairly light touch. These switches provide a neutral sound signature and are suitable for a wide range of users seeking a comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for visual aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile.
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