Sarokeys BCP vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique experiences for different preferences. The BCP from Sarokeys is a linear switch best known for its creamy feel and signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that provides a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to those looking for a balanced typing experience. While the BCP offers a bouncy and creamy feel, the Violet Gold Pro provides a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches have their own advantages, 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
51g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is evident that they each have unique characteristics. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice between the two depends on personal preference for sound characteristics, with nylon offering a more rounded sound and polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the BCP and the Violet Gold Pro employ nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency in material choice ensures that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches guarantees a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness.
Overall, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The contrasting materials used in the top housings – nylon for the BCP and polycarbonate for the Violet Gold Pro – result in distinctly different sound characteristics. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housings in both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile while typing. Whether one prefers a softer, duller sound with the BCP or a crisper, clearer tone with the Violet Gold Pro, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the BCP has a slightly heavier actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. In terms of bottom-out force, the BCP requires 57 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom-out force is unknown. The BCP is considered medium-light in terms of both actuation and bottom-out force, providing a balance between typing comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force but the bottom-out force remains a mystery. The choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with some users opting for the lighter feel of the Violet Gold Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the BCP for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision will be based on personal typing style and preference for key press feel.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the BCP has a shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. When it comes to typing or gaming preferences, a shorter travel distance is favored by some for faster response times, making the BCP a potentially better option in that aspect. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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 Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound profile, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch presents a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the BCP delivering a more pronounced and percussive sound compared to the Violet Gold Pro's balanced and versatile sound signature.
Moving on to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback sensation that offers a lively and elastic feel when typing. Additionally, the smooth and buttery feel of the BCP switch contributes to a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a mild tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. The BCP switch emphasizes a more dynamic and responsive typing experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro's nuanced and textured tactile feel.
Overall, both the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience with the BCP switch or a neutral and stepped tactile feel with the Violet Gold Pro switch, both options provide excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can expect to achieve similar levels of satisfaction and performance with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bouncy and creamy feel with a clacky sound profile, the BCP may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could provide a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. It's important to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
