Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are both popular choices among enthusiasts. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more pronounced bump when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a lighter touch and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those looking for a more balanced typing experience. Both switches fall under the tactile category, providing a satisfying feel with each key press. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing with similar sound characteristics.
The differences in the housing materials lie in the bottom housings of the Crystal Brown and Violet Gold Pro switches. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller typing experience with a rounder sound. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound quality, enhancing the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials showcases the impact each has on the sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp, clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, the differences in the bottom housing materials between the switches result in slightly varied sound characteristics. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience with a rounder sound. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience for users. However, the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro, whose bottom out force is unknown. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation, the Crystal Brown may provide a bit more resistance when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit of resistance may lean towards the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Violet Gold Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding travel distance and key responsiveness.
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 Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown switch is known for providing a unique auditory experience that may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, making it an intriguing option for those who appreciate different sound profiles. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between quietness and audibility, fitting well in various environments without being too distracting.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's tactile feedback is not explicitly defined, and its typing experience will depend on personal preference and typing style. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing users with a distinguishable two-stage keypress that offers a smoother sensation compared to more pronounced tactile switches. This feature may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more subtle tactile response.
Considering the available information, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a switch with a distinctive sound profile and appreciate the element of surprise, the Outemu Crystal Brown may be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a balanced tactile feel and a moderate sound level, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch could provide a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a personal keyboard setup will yield the most accurate comparison and help determine which option best suits your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should consider the bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel of each switch. The Crystal Brown may be a better choice for those who prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a different typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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