TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Dareu Master are two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences and experiences. The Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and feather-light feel that promotes a delicate typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a muted yet refined tactile response. Its classification as 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Feathery' aptly captures the essence of its design, appealing to users seeking a soft and nuanced interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, the Dareu Master offers a more robust option with its medium weight and smooth operation, combined with a pleasingly clacky sound signature that is sure to resonate with typists who appreciate auditory feedback. With its polished characteristics, the Master strikes a balance between comfort and engagement, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. Both switches have their unique strengths and cater to diverse typing needs; 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Dareu Master each utilize different housing materials—nylon for the Light Cloud V2 and POM for the Dareu Master. The nylon used in the Light Cloud V2 is renowned for its sound-dampening properties, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, creating a rounder and more muted acoustics. Conversely, POM is recognized for its unique acoustic qualities, providing an equally deep sound profile that, while still muted, offers a distinct auditory experience. Although the materials differ, both contribute to creating a satisfying sound when typing, with each delivering a pleasantly rich audio experience while the main characteristics of each are impacted by whether the focus is on bottoming out or release.
In terms of construction, both switches leverage the strengths of their respective materials in different areas. The nylon bottom housing of the Light Cloud V2 supports deeper sound absorption and dampening, enhancing the feel at the bottom of the keystroke. Likewise, the Dareu Master's POM bottom housing also enriches the typing experience with its unique sound qualities, producing muted but enjoyable acoustics. The bottom housing ultimately plays a pivotal role in the tactile feedback and bottom-out noise, which are integral to key feel and user experience. This reflects the intrinsic relationship between the material used and the sensory feedback during typing.
Despite their distinct compositions, both the Light Cloud V2 and the Dareu Master can offer comparable results in terms of sound and feel. By understanding how the contrasting materials perform their roles—nylon's sound-dampening capabilities and POM's unique acoustic qualities—users can appreciate the subtleties in their typing experience, recognizing that while the overall character may be influenced by the housing materials, the resultant auditory and tactile satisfaction can be similar. Thus, regardless of the differences in top and bottom housing materials, both switches promise an enriching typing sensation that appeals to users seeking deeper and fuller sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it's noteworthy that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means users engaging with either switch will experience similar lightness when triggering a keystroke, which is beneficial for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly; the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Dareu Master is unknown, leaving its overall sensation somewhat ambiguous. Therefore, while the actuation forces align, the Light Cloud V2 offers a clearer and firmer response when bottoming out, making it potentially more suitable for users seeking a heavier tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, we find a slight difference that can influence user preference. The Light Cloud V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Master measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Light Cloud V2 the longer switch, which may provide a more pronounced keystroke experience for users who appreciate greater depth. In contrast, the Master, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for more agile performance. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Light Cloud V2, while those favoring rapid responsiveness might lean towards the Dareu Master.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Light Cloud V2 features a muted and neutral acoustic profile, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where quiet operation is essential, such as offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp and bright upon key activation. If you're looking for expressive auditory feedback that can add an element of satisfaction to your typing experience, the Master will fulfill that requirement, providing a stark contrast to the more subdued sound of the Light Cloud V2.
In terms of feel, both switches share a mild typing experience, which makes them accessible to a wide range of users. The Light Cloud V2 excels with its feather-light actuation force, allowing for effortless key presses that feel delicate and nuanced. This switch caters particularly to those who may experience finger fatigue during prolonged usage, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Master offers a polished feel, which signifies not only smooth key travel but also a refined tactile experience, ensuring a combination of comfort and engagement with its medium weight. Despite the differences in actuation weight, both switches maintain a user-friendly approach that can appeal to typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and Dareu Master linear switches each provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is a superb choice for those prioritizing a quiet and feather-light typing experience, ideal for quiet environments, while the Dareu Master delivers a more auditory feedback with its clacky sound and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or prefer a serene and effortless typing experience; either way, both options can yield comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 is ideal for you. Its muted sound profile and easy-to-press feel make it well-suited for environments like offices or libraries where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. You'll certainly appreciate the refined, delicate sensation during long typing sessions or casual gaming, as the switch's lightweight design significantly reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you favor a more traditional and pronounced sound with a classic clacky feel, the Dareu Master switch would be your best bet. Its polished smoothness and mild actuation offer a satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a quiet, gentle touch or a more resonant and tactile experience—both of which are excellent choices in their own right.
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