Dareu Master vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the TTC Speed Silver 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 linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch. The Dareu Master switch stands out for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and smooth operation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is perfect for users who prioritize speed and precision, thanks to its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance for quick actuation. Both switches offer a polished feel and mild characteristics, but the Master switch leans towards a clacky sound while the Speed Silver focuses on a pristine sound profile. 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
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Speed Silver allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Master contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Master features POM housings which provide a unique and pleasing sound profile, while the TTC Speed Silver with polycarbonate housings offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver offers a classic feel with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Master's POM bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to typing experience, the housing materials of each switch play a significant role in how the keys feel and sound. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the Master's POM bottom housing offering a more muted sound and the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with the Master's POM top housing creating a deeper sound and the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing offering a sharper and crisper sound. Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Master and TTC Speed Silver contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force needed to register a keystroke. However, where they differ is in their bottom out force. The Master switch does not have an available bottom out force listed, while the Speed Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Master switch. This means that the Speed Silver switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Master switch offers a lighter touch that could be more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This consistency in travel distance allows for a consistent feel and performance when using either switch. Whether you choose the Dareu Master or the TTC Speed Silver, you can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a travel distance of 3.4 mm.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The choice of keycaps and keyboard can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Master and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes them approachable to most users looking for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Master and TTC Speed Silver linear switches share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, offering users a medium weight and light-medium resistance, respectively. Both switches provide a smooth operation and a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you choose the Master for its classic clacky sound or the Speed Silver for its fast and precise typing experience, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and user satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing speed and sound. If you value a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance, the TTC Speed Silver switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the specific characteristics you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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