HMX Game1989 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can significantly affect your typing and gaming experience, and two popular options are the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The HMX 1989 is well-regarded for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it an enticing choice for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth, linear travel. Its design may appeal particularly to gamers and typists who desire a fast and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps, allowing for rapid and fluid key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stands out with its medium tactility, providing a gentle bump that enhances feedback without overly disrupting the typing flow. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a versatile experience—balancing both gaming and typing demands thanks to its neutral sound signature and responsive characteristics. Each switch offers unique advantages depending on 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
53g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro exhibit remarkable similarities, particularly in their respective top housings made of polycarbonate. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for those looking to achieve optimal acoustic performance. As both housings are translucent, they are also well-suited for displaying RGB lighting effects, ensuring vibrant illumination that enhances the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both models is made from nylon, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The use of nylon as a bottom housing material results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer structure. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a sound that is rounder and more muted. Because both keyboards share this material for their bottom housings, users can expect similar acoustic characteristics when typing, resulting in a harmonious combination of the two housing materials.
When evaluating the HMX 1989 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it's clear that the interaction between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings will affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the polycarbonate top emphasizes the acoustic clarity and brightness of keystrokes, the nylon bottom contributes depth and richness to the sound when the key bottoms out. As both models share the same housing materials, users will experience similar acoustic results, with each contributing its unique qualities to a consistent and pleasing auditory experience. This harmonious design approach ensures that user preferences can be met effectively by either keyboard.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which classifies them as medium-light and makes them suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it requires more effort to fully depress the key, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer heavier switches. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares in this particular aspect. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option due to its definitive bottom out force, whereas the Violet Gold Pro's characteristics in this regard remain unclear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the HMX 1989 the longer of the two switches, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro could be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you lean towards responsiveness and a more abrupt feel, the Violet Gold Pro would be a suitable choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the HMX 1989.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by its deep and thocky acoustics, perfect for those who appreciate a more robust auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. This depth contributes to a richer sound experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, balancing the auditory experience for various typing situations. Its moderate actuation force requirement ensures that users won't experience jarring sounds, making it suitable for both quiet office environments and lively gaming setups. The contrast between the thocky resonance of the 1989 and the more subdued tones of the Violet Gold Pro caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose a sound that resonates with their personal style.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 stands out with its smooth linear action that delivers an uninterrupted keystroke experience, appealing to those who prefer a consistent and fluid typing action without tactile bumps. In comparison, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a stepped tactile switch, which introduces a more nuanced feel to the keystroke. The tactile bump it provides during the actuation process creates a distinct two-stage sensation, allowing typists to experience some pre-travel and post-travel feedback. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment for users who thrive on feeling their keystrokes register. In summary, while the 1989 offers a seamless linear movement, the Violet Gold Pro provides an engaging tactile sensation, making them vastly different in how they respond under the fingers.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch cater to different tactile and auditory preferences, they each stand out in their own right. The 1989 delivers a thocky sound profile paired with smooth linear action, making it ideal for users who favor a deep auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance with its neutral sound and stepped tactile feel, appealing to those who seek a more moderate and versatile typing experience. Depending on what qualities you prioritize—whether it's the pronounced sound of the 1989 or the tactile feedback of the Violet Gold Pro—you can find a switch that aligns with your preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you’re seeking a smooth, linear experience with a medium-light actuation force that produces a deep and thocky sound, the HMX 1989 is the way to go. This switch is perfect for gamers or typists looking for a satisfying keystroke and a more pronounced auditory feedback, providing an engaging experience that can enhance gaming and intensive typing sessions. However, if you prefer a more balanced experience with a mild tactile feedback, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is designed for you. Its neutral sound signature and stepped tactile feel make it ideal for both work and casual use, allowing for comfortable typing without overwhelming your auditory senses. In a nutshell, choose the HMX 1989 for an immersive and expressive keystroke, and opt for the Violet Gold Pro for a versatile and composed typing experience that suits various settings.
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