Outemu Black vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Black, a linear switch, to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Black is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists who prefer a linear switch without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stands out for its medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience for those who prefer a tactile switch. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material allows for a clear and resonant sound when typing and is especially useful for switches that use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate adds to the overall visual appeal of the switch. While both switches share this top housing material, their unique designs and layouts may still result in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences.
On the other hand, the Outemu Black utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that may cater to different preferences based on sound profiles.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Black and Dareu Violet Gold Pro plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound, the nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Black offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The split between top and bottom housing materials impacts the switch's overall performance, with each component contributing to the tactile feedback and acoustics of the typing experience. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials can cater to varying preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces vary significantly between the two. The Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. The bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro switch is unknown, but given the lighter actuation force, it is likely to be on the lighter side as well. Ultimately, those who prefer a heavier typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Outemu Black switch, while those who value a lighter touch would opt for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.8 mm of the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers may find the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro appealing for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press experience may opt for the Outemu Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
The Outemu Black 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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users whether they are beginners or advanced typists. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Black switch's tactile feel is not specified, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped tactile feedback. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a more subtle tactile bump compared to other switches, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the tactile experience desired during typing.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Black linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a quality typing experience. If you enjoy a quieter typing sound and prefer a linear switch, the Outemu Black may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback and a more neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch could be the ideal choice. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 82 grams and a reputation for None, the Outemu Black switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch could be the more suitable option, offering a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for weight, tactility, and sound when choosing between these two switches.
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