Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch, providing a medium level of tactility and a light touch while typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences - the Dustproof Black for those who prefer a consistent key feel, and the Violet Gold Pro for those looking for a balanced tactile experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The Outemu Dustproof Black and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite these similarities, the different materials in the top and bottom housings will affect the overall sound and feel of the switches differently.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches allows for a visually appealing translucent design, especially when paired with RGB lighting. This provides a modern and sleek look to the switches, making them stand out on a desk or in a keyboard. The contrasting nylon bottom housings add a classic touch to the switches, highlighting the combination of modern and traditional materials in their construction. Whether for functional or visual purposes, the choice of housing materials in these switches plays a significant role in their overall performance and appearance.
When comparing the two switches, it can be seen that the choice of housing materials, particularly the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings, contributes to their unique sound profiles. The sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing complements the deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, creating a well-rounded typing experience. While both switches share similar characteristics due to their housing materials, the subtle differences between the two materials can impact the overall feel and sound of typing on these switches. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housings of the Outemu Dustproof Black and Dareu Violet Gold Pro result in a harmonious blend of modern functionality and classic design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Dustproof Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. While the Dustproof Black is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Violet Gold Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may lean towards the Dustproof Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dustproof Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. For those who prefer a bit more depth in the feeling of pressing down on a key, the Dustproof Black may be the better option. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches provide a different feel in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two depends on personal preference and the specific use case.
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 Dustproof 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
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for gamers who prefer a consistent and linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch, providing a balance between feedback and ease of typing. When it comes to sound, the Dustproof Black switch's sound profile is not specified, while the Violet Gold Pro switch is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. In terms of feel, the Dustproof Black switch's tactile characteristics are not specified, while the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, offering a subtle bump in the keystroke for added feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Dustproof Black providing a smooth and linear typing experience, and the Violet Gold Pro offering a balanced tactile feedback for a more engaging typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either of these switches, making them both great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for a heavy bottom out force and a linear typing experience with the Dustproof Black, versus a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature with the Violet Gold Pro. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a stepped tactile switch that offers a more mild keystroke feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages, then the Violet Gold Pro would likely suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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