Dareu Master vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Master and the Outemu Brown. The Dareu Master features the all-POM linear Master switch, known for its medium weight, classic clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness in operation. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch without any specific standout features. The Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Brown switch does not have any specific categories associated with it. Depending on your preferences, you may choose the Dareu Master for its smoothness and clacky sound, or the Outemu Brown for a tactile typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and Outemu Brown switches both have unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound and feel of the switch. The Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is more clear and translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Master's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic material.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, the impact of each material on the sound and feel of the switch is significant. The split between the top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities are more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing's qualities come into play when releasing a key. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience and the sound profile of the switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master and Outemu Brown switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience. While the Master's POM housing generates a pleasing and deep sound, the Brown's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer a sharper and fuller sound profile respectively. The distribution of these housing materials throughout the switch highlights how the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the housing material of a switch can greatly impact your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Master is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Brown's 53 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Brown is heavier at 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Master is unknown. This means that while the Master may provide a lighter typing experience for those who prefer less resistance, the Brown offers a more substantial feel with heavier pressure required for both actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback. If the bottom out force of the Master is similar to the actuation force, then users can expect a consistent and relatively light typing experience with both switches.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Master has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Master's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers who value quick key presses. On the other hand, the Brown switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to keystrokes for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience, with the shorter travel distance of the Master offering a quicker response and the longer travel distance of the Brown providing a more substantial feel.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound signature that is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master linear switch is noted for its mild and polished qualities, offering a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. The switch's smooth and refined finish leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, details about the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are not available.
Taking all this information into consideration, the Dareu Master linear switch seems to excel in providing a clacky sound and a polished feel that many users find pleasant and comfortable. While the specifics of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are not provided, it is worth noting that both switches offer different characteristics that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on a personal keyboard setup will give a better understanding of how each performs and which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium weight switch that provides a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, then the Master switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a tactile bump, the Brown switch offers a different typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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