Gateron Aliaz vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as an office, as it provides a medium-heavy weight with a substantial feel to each keystroke, offering a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a balanced option for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound profile with its stiffness. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties. This distinction in bottom housing material can greatly impact the typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced differently between the two switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share the same polycarbonate top housing. This means that when it comes to the sound profile created when letting go of a key, users can expect similar results from both switches. The polycarbonate material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for switches with a clear housing. However, the contrasting bottom housing materials in the Aliaz and Violet Gold Pro offer distinct typing experiences, with the Aliaz providing a crisper sound and the Violet Gold Pro offering a fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear housing of both switches indicates the use of polycarbonate, emphasizing their compatibility with RGB lighting. While the top and bottom housings may differ in material, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro ultimately depends on personal preference for typing sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile like that of the Aliaz or a deeper and fuller sound characteristic of the Violet Gold Pro, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Aliaz is notably heavier in both aspects. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, as the lower actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.8 mm of the Violet Gold Pro. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Aliaz switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for those working in quiet environments where noise can be a distraction. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a neutral sound profile that falls somewhere in the middle, making it a versatile option for various settings. Both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others, as long as they are paired with a suitable keyboard and keycap combination.
Moving on to feel, the Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished attributes, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile sensation, giving a two-stage feel to each keystroke. While the Aliaz switch focuses on smoothness and sleekness, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a unique tactile response that can cater to different preferences for typing feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct feels that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch both have their own set of unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Aliaz switch excels in providing a medium-heavy weight and a quiet typing experience with silky and polished feel, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a balanced tactile sensation with a light touch and a stepped feel. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a more neutral typing experience, both switches are excellent choices that can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on your specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy switch with a substantial feel and muted sound, the Aliaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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