Dareu Master vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that they both offer a smooth typing experience. The Dareu Master switch is praised for its medium weight and classic clacky sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have a specific standout feature but still provides a smooth typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a classic clacky sound and medium weight, the Dareu Master switch may be the best choice for you. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Outemu Red, we can see significant differences in both the top and bottom housings. The Master utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Red features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Master provides a unique sound experience. On the other hand, the Master and Red differ in their bottom housings as well, with the Master using POM for a deeper sound profile, and the Red utilizing nylon for a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both the Dareu Master and the Outemu Red housing materials serve to enhance the overall sound profile of the switch. The POM top housing of the Master and the polycarbonate top housing of the Red each offer a unique sound experience, with the POM being deeper and the polycarbonate being sharper and crisper. Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches play a pivotal role in shaping the sound when typing, with the POM bottom housing of the Master providing a muted sound and the nylon bottom housing of the Red offering a fuller sound. Overall, while the housing materials may vary between the Master and Red, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in shaping the overall sound profile. The bottom housing material, whether POM or nylon, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether POM or polycarbonate, influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Outemu Red have been carefully chosen to provide a well-rounded typing experience, with each material contributing to a specific aspect of the sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the Master has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. Both switches lack information on the bottom out force, but the Red is known to have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. The difference in actuation force could result in a slightly lighter typing experience on the Master switch, while the Red switch may provide a slightly heavier feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Master switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Master is the shorter of the two switches, providing a quicker response time that is favored by many gamers. On the other hand, the Red offers a longer travel distance, which may feel more substantial and satisfying to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer unique advantages, so selecting the one that best suits your typing style and requirements is key in achieving optimal performance.
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 Red 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 distinctive clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound signature provides a satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy a bit of noise feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master switch is known for providing a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. This makes it approachable to most users who prefer a more gentle typing feel without extreme characteristics. Additionally, the Master switch is described as polished, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Unfortunately, information about the specific feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is not available, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and mild, polished feel, making it a popular choice for users seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While information about the Outemu Red linear switch is limited in this context, based on the available information, it's clear that the Master switch offers a unique combination of sound and feel qualities that are sure to meet the preferences of many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If both switches share similar characteristics in sound and feel, users can expect to achieve comparable results with either choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams, the Outemu Red may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and overall typing experience. As you explore and experiment with different switches, you'll find the one that perfectly matches your typing needs.
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