Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Dustproof Brown is best known for its durability and resistance to dust, making it a great option for those in dusty environments. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound, catering to users looking for a well-balanced typing experience. While the Dustproof Brown may appeal to those seeking longevity and reliability, the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its comfortable typing feel. 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
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this characteristic in their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing material. The Dustproof Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs more sound but creates a duller and rounder sound.
The split between the top and bottom housings of the switches means that the qualities of each housing material will have a different impact depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting it go. The bottom housing, which in the case of the Dustproof Brown is nylon, will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing made of polycarbonate will play a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the combination of different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches, such as polycarbonate and nylon, can have a significant impact on the sound produced and the overall typing experience. Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a clear and resonant sound that is ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the use of different materials for the bottom housing, with the Dustproof Brown using nylon and the Violet Gold Pro using the same material, results in variations in the depth and fullness of the sound profile produced by each switch. The combination of these housing materials highlights the importance of considering the overall design and composition of a switch in order to achieve the desired typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke pressure. However, the Dustproof Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Dustproof Brown switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer feel while typing, while the Violet Gold Pro may be better for those who enjoy a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Violet Gold Pro the shorter of the two switches. The Dustproof Brown with its 4 mm travel distance is slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Violet Gold Pro for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. However, those who prefer a deeper keypress may opt for the Dustproof Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a tactile response, but the slight difference in travel distance may result in a different typing experience for the user.
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 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 Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer different experiences. The Dustproof Brown's sound profile is currently unknown, while the Violet Gold Pro switches are known for their neutral sound signature. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the comparison between the Dustproof Brown and the Violet Gold Pro switches is once again distinct. The Dustproof Brown's tactile feel is currently undefined, while the Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a stepped tactile feel. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switches have a two-stage tactile feedback, offering a more subtle tactile bump compared to hyper-tactile switches. Users may feel some pre-travel and post-travel with the Violet Gold Pro switches, providing a unique typing experience.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages. The Dustproof Brown switch may be preferred by those looking for a unknown sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro switch is ideal for users seeking a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It's important to consider all available information and try out different switches to find the perfect match for your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with dustproofing features, the Dustproof Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a neutral sound profile with a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that align with your typing needs.
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