Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
A comparison between the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches reveals unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer stands out with its translucent green design inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, offering a refreshingly lightweight and clacky typing experience with a stepped tactility. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound, appealing to users looking for a balanced typing experience. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Beer leans towards being clacky and easy-to-press, while the Violet Gold Pro is more neutral and stepped. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, the differences arise in the bottom housing material. While the Beer uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, providing a consistent sound profile throughout the switch press, the Violet Gold Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Gateron Beer switch ensures a consistent and clear sound profile throughout the key press, resonating nicely with its relatively stiffer plastic characteristic. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that differs from the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This variation in housing materials contributes to a unique sound experience with each switch, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound and feel.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches provide distinct characteristics. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings in the Beer offer a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Violet Gold Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound experience. Each housing material brings its unique qualities to the switch, affecting the overall sound profile when typing or releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch with the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter than the Violet Gold Pro. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Beer would be a suitable option, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the Beer providing a lighter touch and the Violet Gold Pro offering potentially more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. This means that the Beer will provide a slightly quicker response time when pressed. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Beer due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more responsive feel. Overall, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, catering to those who value quick key presses for various purposes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an extra tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced by the Violet Gold Pro switch is moderate and versatile, making it a reliable option for both beginners and advanced users.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch also features a stepped tactile feel, offering a mild and balanced typing experience that many users find comfortable and satisfying.
Overall, the Gateron Beer and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch is known for its clacky sound and easy-to-press nature with stepped tactility, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a neutral sound profile and a medium tactility with a balanced touch. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a unique, clacky sound profile, the Beer switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switches could provide a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a specific sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
