Dareu Master vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master with its linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown with its tactile switch stand out as competitive options. The Master switch from Dareu is renowned for its all-POM linear design, striking a medium weight for users and delivering a classic clacky sound signature, along with exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches from TTC offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, these switches feature a muted sound profile, adding to the typing experience. While the Master switch boasts a clacky sound and smooth operation, the Silent Brown offers a buttery feel with a more subdued sound. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
The Dareu Master and TTC Silent Brown both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, as the choice between a deeper or higher-pitched sound can cater to different preferences. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the Silent Brown switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dareu Master's POM material also offers a pleasing and unique sound profile, similar to the top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition. The difference in sound produced by these bottom housings can affect the overall typing experience, with the nylon material absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder profile compared to the POM material. This diversity in sound profiles offers users the opportunity to choose switches based on their specific sound preferences.
Overall, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of a switch. While the Dareu Master and the TTC Silent Brown have different housing materials, the impact of these materials is felt separately when pressing down on the switch and when releasing a key. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how these materials interact and contribute to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and consistent typing experience for users who prefer less resistance when typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dareu Master has an unknown value while the TTC Silent Brown has a heavier force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Dareu Master would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more solid and firm keystroke would benefit from the heavier bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown switch. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch can greatly impact the typing experience, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing the right switch for your needs.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dareu Master has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Master may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the TTC Silent Brown may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences due to their respective travel distances, with the Master providing a quicker and more responsive keystroke, and the Silent Brown offering a more deliberate and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each press. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a more muted sound, aiming to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference for keyboard noise, the Master switch may be more appealing if you enjoy a more pronounced sound, while the Silent Brown switch would be a better choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as delivering a mild and polished typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, creating a sleek typing sensation. In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for users. Both switches fall within the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. The choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Master switch delivers a clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, the Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound and a buttery, mild typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth and clacky sound with no bottom out force, the Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switch could be more fitting. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of resistance when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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