Dareu Master vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that often come up for comparison are the Dareu Master and the Cherry MX Brown. The Dareu Master features their signature linear switch, known for its medium weight and classic clacky sound, appealing to users who prioritize smooth operation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are praised for their subtle tactility and light typing experience, with subdued audio feedback. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the MX Browns fall into the categories of 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the smoothness of the Dareu Master or the gentle tactility of the Cherry MX Browns. 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
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and Cherry MX Brown both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Master's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing also produces a deep and full sound. However, the nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM material. In terms of bottom housing, both switches use the same materials as their top housing, further enhancing the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Master and Cherry MX Brown, both switches share similarities in terms of creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. The POM and nylon materials used for the top and bottom housing of the switches contribute to a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. The softer nature of the nylon material allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes evident that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The characteristics of the nylon or POM material in the bottom housing contribute to the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall uniqueness of the switch's sound profile. In conclusion, while the Dareu Master and Cherry MX Brown have different housing materials, they both offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive sound profiles.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dareu Master has an unknown value, while the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Cherry MX Brown requires more force to fully press the key compared to the Dareu Master. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Master may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cherry MX Brown for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing style and force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch is 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch. The Master switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences, but overall, the Master switch is shorter while the MX Brown switch is longer.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds with a classic appeal. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deeper and richer audio feedback during typing. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Master switch leaning towards a brighter and percussive sound, while the MX Brown switch delivers a mellower and richer tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, is noted for its textured feel, offering a noticeable friction during key presses. While the Master switch focuses on smoothness and refinement, the MX Brown switch provides a more tactile sensation with a hint of resistance.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Master switch excels in providing a classic clacky sound with exceptional smoothness, while the MX Brown switch offers a subtle and gentle tactile experience with subdued audio feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, if you prefer a softer typing feel and a more subdued sound, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of overall user satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a medium-weight linear switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.
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