KTT Ash Gray vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer tactile feedback but with their own unique characteristics. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them a great balanced option for typing. The Ash Gray is categorized as ‘Easy-to-press’, ‘Mild’, and ‘Neutral’, while the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as ‘Stepped’ and ‘Neutral’. Each switch has its own strengths, so it 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while the top housings are the same material, the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences in their respective nylon bottom housings result in varying sound profiles. The Ash Gray elicits a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel due to its softer nylon material, while the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom influences the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting key press impact and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in contributing to the sound profile of mechanical keyboards. While their polycarbonate top housings offer similar sharp and crisp sound qualities, the differences in their nylon bottom housings result in distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a duller and rounder sound, understanding the impact of housing materials on acoustics is essential in choosing a mechanical keyboard that suits your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is heavier at 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. The Ash Gray provides a medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly heavier actuation force. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Ash Gray may be a better choice due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Ash Gray's shorter distance may provide a more responsive feel, while the Violet Gold Pro's slightly longer distance may offer a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the level of feedback and actuation desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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, both the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are categorized as having a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that falls in the middle ground, making them suitable for various typing environments. The actual sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used. Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This feature makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is noted for its stepped feel, giving a sensation of two stages during key presses. This design offers a more subtle tactile experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. While they both have a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray switch stands out for its easy-to-press feel, ideal for those who prefer a light and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch's stepped feel provides a more subtle tactility that may appeal to users looking for a slightly different typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a subtle tactile feedback that enhances your typing without being too overwhelming, the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light touch and a balanced typing experience that offers a medium level of tactility, the Violet Gold Pro would be a great option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and can be used for various purposes, whether at home or work. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel.
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