Dareu Master vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Master with its linear Master switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Master switch from Dareu offers a medium weight linear experience with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a polished feel during operation. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch from Outemu provides a tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. 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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Outemu Crystal Brown, one can see a clear distinction in the sound profile they produce. The POM top housing of the Master creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly influence the overall typing experience for users who prefer a certain type of sound from their mechanical keyboard switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Master continues the trend of creating a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown produces a fuller and rounder sound. This variation in sound characteristics highlights how different materials can affect the overall acoustics of a switch. Depending on personal preference, users may find one type of sound more pleasing or satisfying than the other.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Master and the Outemu Crystal Brown ultimately comes down to the sound profile that users prefer in their mechanical keyboard switches. If a user values a deeper and more muted sound, the POM housing of the Master would be a better fit. On the other hand, if a user prefers a sharper and crisper sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Crystal Brown would be more suitable. Despite the differences in sound characteristics, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force is the same for both at 45 grams. However, the Master switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Crystal Brown switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Crystal Brown switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Master switch. When it comes to preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Master switch more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Crystal Brown switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Master has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Master makes it a suitable choice for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal Brown provides a more substantial depth for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile 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 Crystal 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, snappy, and percussive, making for an enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Master switch provides a mild and polished typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The switch's smooth and refined finish contributes to a sleek typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in this aspect.
Taking all available information into consideration, it is evident that the Dareu Master linear switch shines in both sound and feel, offering a clacky sound signature and a polished, smooth typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user. Ultimately, if you enjoy the sound and feel of the Dareu Master switch, you may find similar satisfaction with the Outemu Crystal Brown switch based on their subjective descriptions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, then the Master linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a tactile bump for added feedback while typing, then the Crystal Brown tactile switch would be the better option. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you to use on a daily basis.
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