Outemu Silver vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Silver switch is known for its responsiveness and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a pleasant tactile feedback with a light touch, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. While the Silver switch is ideal for those who prefer a consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Violet Gold Pro is perfect for individuals seeking a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort. 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
1.60 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
One key difference between the Outemu Silver and Dareu Violet Gold Pro is that they both have polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while the Silver has a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties, the Violet Gold Pro also uses a nylon bottom housing with similar characteristics.
In terms of sound and feel when typing on the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role. The nylon bottom housing of both the Outemu Silver and Dareu Violet Gold Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the properties of the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both switches, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Outemu Silver and Dareu Violet Gold Pro share polycarbonate top housings that provide a crisp and clear sound profile, they both utilize nylon bottom housings which produce a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in housing materials between the two switches highlight how each material affects the overall sound and feel when typing. Whether opting for the Outemu Silver or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile based on the shared polycarbonate top housing, while experiencing a unique typing experience based on the nylon bottom housing of each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in that aspect. However, the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Silver is better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we see that the Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silver being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Silver for its longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, those seeking a faster response time may opt for the Violet Gold Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch does not have a known description, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that the Violet Gold Pro offers a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silver does not have a specific description, whereas the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is known for its stepped tactile feel. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a two-stage tactile sensation, with a mild bump that is felt during both pre-travel and post-travel of the keystroke. This can offer a unique typing experience that is different from a traditional linear switch.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Silver might provide a different typing experience. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch, so it is essential to try out different options to determine which one suits your typing style the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silver switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound, as well as your typing style and intended use for the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your choice.
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