Dareu Master vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the Durock Medium Tactile offer distinct experiences for users. The Dareu Master boasts its all-POM linear switch, providing a medium weight feel with a classic clacky sound and exceptionally smooth operation. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. The Master switch falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its unique appeal, whether you prefer a smooth linear experience or a tactile response. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Durock Medium Tactile switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile switch also allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Master's POM bottom housing brings a similar deep and pleasing sound profile as its top housing, while the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
Although the Dareu Master and Durock Medium Tactile switches both offer unique sound profiles based on their individual housing materials, they share similarities in their top and bottom housing compositions. Both switches utilize materials that are optimized for sound quality, with the POM and nylon bottoms providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate and POM tops offer contrasting sharpness and muted tones. These differences in sound profiles allow users to choose a switch that best suits their typing preferences based on the specific characteristics of each housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and the Durock Medium Tactile switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics. The POM and polycarbonate materials in the respective top housings provide distinct sound profiles, with the POM being more muted and deep, and the polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings offer unique sound characteristics, with the nylon providing a fuller sound and the POM maintaining a deep and pleasing tone. Understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel will help users make an informed decision when selecting between these two switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Master has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Medium Tactile's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Master is unknown. In terms of weight, the Master would be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Medium Tactile, with its heavier bottom out force, would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide different typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for key feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dareu Master has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. The Master's 3.4 mm travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are known for providing faster key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile's 4 mm travel distance may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press and a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Dareu Master switch offers a classic clacky sound with a sharp and snappy tone, creating a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature that is more pronounced yet balanced, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches will produce satisfying sound profiles, but the Master will offer a more traditional clacky sound while the Medium Tactile will provide a distinct jelly-like tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master switch is known for its mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel with smooth key travel. The Medium Tactile switch from Durock, on the other hand, is described as accented and stepped, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Master switch will feel more gentle and polished while the Medium Tactile switch will provide a more pronounced tactile response without being too sharp or scratchy.
Considering all the available information, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a more classic clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Master switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a distinct jelly-like sound, the Medium Tactile switch would be a suitable option. Both switches provide excellent performance, so choosing between them would depend on your preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a clacky sound signature, and a smooth typing experience, the Dareu Master linear switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a pronounced yet balanced tactility, and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing preferences.
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