Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between Huano Acacia and Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a compelling perspective on user preferences and typing styles. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, ensuring an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Its smooth keystrokes make it a prime candidate for those who enjoy rapid key presses without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, categorized as a tactile switch, offers medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, positioning it as a versatile choice for users who appreciate the feedback that a tactile bump provides without being overly disruptive. While the Acacia excels in delivering fluidity for gamers or typists looking for speed, the Violet Gold Pro shines for those desiring a balanced feedback experience that enhances typing accuracy. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro reveals a striking similarity in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings, particularly highlighting the advantages of polycarbonate and nylon. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This similarity suggests that users can expect a highly resonant and clear auditory experience from either switch, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. The translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal, making these switches not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, especially for users who prioritize lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches employ nylon, a material known for its sound absorption properties. The ability of nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile stands out as a distinctive characteristic that will influence the tactile and acoustic response during typing. When users engage with these switches, the softer nature of the nylon allows for a more muted and rounded sound upon bottoming out. This acoustic quality can lead to a typing experience that feels more cushioned and satisfying, making it particularly appealing for those who type frequently or engage in long computing sessions.
Ultimately, while the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro incorporate the same housing materials, the way these materials interact can lead to an overall nuanced typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing contributes clarity and brightness to keystrokes, whereas the nylon bottom housing offers depth and warmth. Users will benefit from similar results in terms of sound profile due to the consistent use of polycarbonate above, but tactile feedback may differ slightly depending on individual user preferences and typing styles. Overall, both switches present a well-rounded approach to separating the sonic qualities of each material through their unique configurations.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, aligning them in terms of the effort required to register a keystroke. This makes them both relatively easy to press, catering to users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the Acacia is specified with a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that while it requires a moderate effort to actuate, it requires slightly more force to fully depress the key. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown. Without this information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Acacia can be characterized as the heavier option due to its known bottom out force, while the Violet Gold Pro could potentially feel lighter or similar, pending its bottom out specification. Overall, users seeking a balanced typing experience might lean towards the Acacia, while those who prefer a tactile feedback with potentially unknown resistance might consider the Violet Gold Pro, but without the assurance of its bottoming force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Acacia features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that the Acacia switch may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses for improved gaming performance. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a deeper travel distance, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile and fulfilling typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Acacia being the shorter option and the Violet Gold Pro being the longer one.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its subdued acoustic qualities due to its design and lubrication, leading to a quieter typing experience that many find appealing for both office and home environments. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, which is neither overly loud nor overly soft. This moderate sound profile makes it versatile and suitable for varied contexts, whether for beginners or experienced typists. It's important to note that sound characteristics can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users will experience slightly different sounds based on their unique setups.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia switch provides a smooth experience owing to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication. This results in a gliding sensation with minimal stem wobble, making it quite comfortable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile feel described as "stepped." This means that users will experience a discernible bump at the actuation point, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback that sets it apart from the smoother feel of linear switches. The Violet Gold Pro allows for more nuanced feedback, with a sense of pre-travel and post-travel that enhances interaction without being overwhelming.
In summary, the Huano Acacia linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a quiet, smooth, and consistent typing experience while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a balanced experience with a moderate tactile bump and versatility for various usage scenarios. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can serve well in different situations, enabling users to enjoy quality typing experiences whether they gravitate toward the linear smoothness or the tactile responsiveness of the stepped design.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Acacia linear switches and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a smooth, linear feel with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia switches would be a great fit, particularly if you favor a typing experience that requires minimal effort and offers generous factory lubrication for a seamless feel right out of the box. These switches are especially suited for users who want a quiet, distraction-free environment, making them ideal for office settings or late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro is an excellent choice. With its medium tactility and neutral sound profile, this switch offers that coveted "Goldilocks" feel, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists wanting a satisfying tactile bump without overwhelming feedback. It’s also a versatile option for various typing scenarios, whether at home or work, where a slight tactile response can enhance your typing accuracy without excessive noise. Ultimately, your decision should stem from whether you prefer a smooth uninterrupted keystroke or a tactile feedback that acknowledges each press, shaping how your mechanical keyboard feels and performs in everyday use.
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