TTC Silent Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Silent Red, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and noiseless typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, the top housing of these switches offer similar characteristics.
On the other hand, the Silent Red and the Violet Gold Pro differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Red features a nylon bottom housing, which gives a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Similarly, the Violet Gold Pro also uses a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, they diverge in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The properties of polycarbonate contribute to a sharp and clear sound, while nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, providing unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and consistent typing experience for users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the TTC Silent Red has a higher force of 63.5 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. This difference means that the TTC Silent Red switch offers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may be the better choice, while the TTC Silent Red may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are more particular about the feel of their keys, the extra 0.1 mm of travel on the Violet Gold Pro switch may provide a slightly more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is best suited for those seeking a muted typing experience, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various settings. Both switches provide different sound characteristics that cater to individual preferences, with the Silent Red being more subdued and the Violet Gold Pro falling in the middle ground. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a polished finish that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a stepped tactile sensation, offering a two-stage typing feel that is less pronounced compared to hyper-tactile switches. Both switches offer different tactile feedback, with the Silent Red focusing on a seamless and effortless typing experience while the Violet Gold Pro providing a more subtle tactile bump during key presses.
Overall, the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you value a quiet typing experience with a smooth feel, the Silent Red may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more balanced tactile sensation with a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and want a switch with a smooth and comfortable feel, the Silent Reds are a great choice for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light touch and a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility and neutral sound signature, making them a versatile option for various typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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