Outemu Tom vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Tom and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the key features that make each switch unique. The Tom is known for None, while the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its medium tactility and light touch, making it a perfect middle ground for those looking for a balanced typing experience. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Violet Gold Pro has a more neutral sound signature, which can be appealing to some users. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Both the Outemu Tom and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. However, the Tom's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This subtle difference in housing materials can result in a unique typing experience for each switch.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for similar sound qualities, the differences in their bottom housings affect the overall typing experience. The Tom's use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch can vary depending on the material used. This showcases how the combination of different housing materials can influence the overall sound profile and typing feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Tom and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. Polycarbonate top housings generally produce a sharper and crisper sound, while nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience as each material contributes different qualities to the overall sound signature. Understanding the role of housing materials in switches can help users tailor their typing experience to their preferences, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Violet Gold Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tom's 55 grams. This means that the Violet Gold Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tom may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force required.
Travel distance
The comparison between the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch reveals a slight difference in their specifications. The Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a longer travel distance compared to the Tom. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch will offer a slightly deeper key press compared to the Tom switch. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response.
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 Tom 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 Tom switch does not have a widely recognized reputation for a specific sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is known for its neutral sound signature. This means that the Violet Gold Pro offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various applications and users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a well-known description of its tactile feel. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is recognized for its stepped tactile feel. This means that the Violet Gold Pro provides a two-stage tactile feedback, offering a more subtle tactile experience compared to switches with a single, pronounced bump. Users of the Violet Gold Pro can expect to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during typing, resulting in a smoother and more nuanced tactile response.
Overall, the Outemu Tom and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tom switch lacks a specific reputation for sound and feel, while the Violet Gold Pro is known for its neutral sound profile and stepped tactile feel. If you prefer a switch with a balanced typing experience and a moderate sound level, the Violet Gold Pro may be the ideal choice for you. The lack of widely recognized descriptors for the Outemu Tom switch makes it harder to gauge its specific qualities, but if you enjoy the characteristics of the Violet Gold Pro, you may potentially get similar results with the Tom switch. As always, personal preference plays a crucial role in selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique typing experience with potentially more pronounced tactility, the Outemu Tom could be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific type of typing experience you are seeking.
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