TTC Gold Silver vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Master mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel, and solid bottom-out, delivering a satisfying closure with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Master provides a medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, offering a different typing experience. While the Gold Silver focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the Master emphasizes clackiness and smooth operation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Master, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Master utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Gold Silver provides a brighter and more resonant sound, while the POM in the Master gives off a deeper and more muffled sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Silver and the Dareu Master offer contrasting options. The Gold Silver uses a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Master features a POM bottom housing, also producing a deep and muted sound. Despite both materials resulting in a pleasing sound profile, the nylon in the Gold Silver offers a duller and rounder sound, while the POM in the Master provides a unique and more muted sound experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the keystrokes. While the Gold Silver and the Dareu Master both offer distinctive sound profiles with their housing materials, the polycarbonate and nylon combination in the Gold Silver may appeal to those looking for a sharper and fuller sound, while the POM material in the Master caters to those seeking a deeper and more muted sound experience. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches provide users with a variety of options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
Both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. This means that while they may feel the same when initially pressing the key, the overall experience of typing may differ depending on how much force is required to fully press the key down. In terms of weight, both switches offer a light touch, which is favored by those who type for long periods of time or engage in extensive gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the desired typing experience, with some users preferring a more substantial feel when pressing down a key.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a slightly more responsive feel may lean towards the Dareu Master, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the TTC Gold Silver. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that provides a quick and efficient typing experience.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master 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, the TTC Gold Silver switch is best characterized by its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. This switch offers a neutral sound that is suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch is known for its clacky sound, delivering a sharp and snappy sound signature that is crisp and percussive. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a deeper, richer tone while the Master provides a brighter and more noticeable click.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and refined typing feel. The switch is categorized as mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch also falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With a polished finish, the Master switch provides a smooth and refined typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Silver and Dareu Master switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile accompanied by a polished and silky typing experience, while the Master switch delivers a clacky sound with a mild and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the deep and smooth keystrokes of the Gold Silver or the sharp and snappy clicks of the Master switch. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Dareu Master linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize swift and precise typing experiences with a focus on speed, fluidity, and a unique sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that provides a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master could be more to your liking. Consider your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and Dareu Master linear switches will depend on what characteristics you value most in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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