TTC Silent Brown vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown and Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience that many users enjoy. The Silent Brown is praised for its light-medium level of resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump, providing a comfortable typing feel with a muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a well-balanced option for those seeking a Goldilocks tactile experience. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the Silent Brown's buttery feel and the Violet Gold Pro's stepped tactility, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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 TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is evident that both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing. This means that both switches are likely to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the differences lie in the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Brown and the Violet Gold Pro feature nylon as the material of choice. Typing on switches that utilize nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon as compared to harder plastics. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This means that both switches will offer a unique typing experience with a focus on the sound profile generated by the bottom housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro results in a well-rounded typing experience. While the switches may differ in other aspects such as actuation force or key layout, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. Whether it be the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique combination of materials that cater to varied typing preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are both 45 grams, meaning that they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the TTC Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro force is unknown. The Silent Brown is considered medium-heavy due to its bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro could make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The consistent travel distance of 3.8 mm for both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of key press feel and feedback. Consequently, users can expect comparable results when using either the TTC Silent Brown or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, as they both offer the same distance for key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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.
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 TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct experiences. The Silent Brown boasts a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features a neutral sound signature, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Brown excelling in reducing noise and the Violet Gold Pro offering a versatile sound suitable for various environments.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown is praised for its buttery, mild, and polished keystroke experience. These qualities contribute to a smooth, gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and seamless key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is described as stepped, indicating a more subtle tactility with distinct stages in the keystroke. While the Silent Brown provides a more refined and uniform typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro offers a unique tactile feedback with distinguishable pre-travel and post-travel sensations.
Overall, the TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Brown excels in providing a muted sound profile and a buttery, polished typing experience, ideal for those seeking a quieter and smoother keystroke. Meanwhile, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactility, making it a versatile choice for users looking for a balanced and distinctive typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound level and typing sensation, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a muted sound profile with a comfortable typing experience, the Silent Brown switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a neutral sound signature, and a medium tactility with a light touch, the Violet Gold Pro switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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