Dareu Master vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and TTC Silent Red both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Master's all-POM linear switch strikes a medium weight for its users, providing a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience, offering a smooth and seamless feel with a muted sound profile perfect for office or shared living spaces. While the Master switch is categorized as clacky, mild, and polished, the Silent Red is categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished. So, if you're looking for a switch with a satisfying clack and medium weight, the Master may be for you, whereas if you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience, the Silent Red could be the better choice. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 the TTC Silent Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Master's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to POM. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while POM provides a pleasing and unique sound experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Master and Silent Red again showcase different materials. The POM bottom housing of the Master maintains a deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red produces a fuller and rounder sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller sound that adds to the overall typing experience. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how even small differences in material composition can impact the sound profile of a switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Master and the TTC Silent Red, both switches showcase how top and bottom housing materials can influence sound profiles. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the POM top housing of the Master or the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a range of sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users. However, the bottom out force of the Master switch is unknown, while the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation force, the Silent Red switch requires a heavier force to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Master switch, allowing for comfortable typing for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Dareu Master for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the TTC Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive in nature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed to provide a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for shared environments like offices or living spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound output, with the Master offering a more traditional clacky experience and the Silent Red focusing on reducing noise levels.
In the realm of feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of the switch offers a gentle typing sensation, while the polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is praised for its buttery feel, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Master leaning towards a safe middle-ground feel and the Silent Red delivering a seamless and smooth sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Master caters to those who enjoy a classic clacky sound and a mild, polished typing experience, while the Silent Red appeals to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience with a buttery and polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that whether you choose the Master or the Silent Red, you can expect comparable results with differing characteristics to suit your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Master linear switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel, the TTC Silent Red switch could be more suitable, especially for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider factors like sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision.
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