Dareu Master vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the KTT Orange offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Master boasts its all-POM linear switch, which strikes a medium weight for users seeking a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy feel, featuring a long spring and a unique combination of materials that provide a frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Orange switch falls under 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched'. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style in choosing between the two switches. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the KTT Orange both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Master utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Orange features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Master's POM housing provides a more consistent sound experience throughout typing, the Orange's polycarbonate housing offers a contrast between the top and bottom-out sounds.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Dareu Master and KTT Orange also differ. The POM housing of the Master offers a more solid and opaque look, while the polycarbonate housing of the Orange provides a translucent appearance that is particularly well-suited for RGB lighting effects. This difference in visual appeal can be a determining factor for users who prioritize the overall look of their keyboard switches. Additionally, the use of different housing materials can also impact the overall feel of typing on these switches, with POM offering a more subtle typing experience compared to the crisper feel of polycarbonate.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and the KTT Orange may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. While both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, the decision may depend on whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound profile with POM housing or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate housing. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to provide a pleasing typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the KTT Orange linear switch, we can see that the Master has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Orange is 53 grams, making it heavier than the Master, whose bottom out force is unspecified. The difference in actuation force between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that regard. The Master may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Orange provides a bit more resistance for a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the KTT Orange has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth and tactility when pressing down on a key. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and KTT Orange switches will come down to personal preference for the slight variation in travel distance.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Dareu Master linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. In contrast, the KTT Orange linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy, creating a different acoustic feel during typing sessions. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the setup in which they are used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Master switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. With its smooth and refined finish, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel, further enhancing the typing comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch delivers a bouncy and frictionless typing sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback and effortless key presses. These qualities contribute to a lively and fluid typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a more dynamic feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch each have their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Master switch offers a clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, the Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless feel. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality, with slight variations in sound and feel. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall user experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch carefully. If you prioritize a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Master switch from Dareu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy feel with frictionless typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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