Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, thanks to reduced housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that provides a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a Goldilocks option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Black Lotus offers a buttery and polished typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro gives off a stepped and neutral feel. If you're looking for a smoother typing experience, the Black Lotus may be your go-to, while those who prefer a bit of feedback may find the Violet Gold Pro more appealing. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique and high-quality housing materials that contribute to the overall feel and sound profile of the switches. While the Black Lotus features a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Violet Gold Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a unique and premium feel that may offer a different typing sensation compared to the Violet Gold Pro.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches opt for a nylon housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In this aspect, both the Black Lotus and the Violet Gold Pro offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to a more rounded and duller sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the top housings differ between the switches, with the Black Lotus featuring a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and the Violet Gold Pro using a polycarbonate top housing, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that enhances the sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro or the unique premium feel of the Black Lotus's Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, both switches offer high-quality materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus requires a heavier touch overall. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro is lighter at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is 63.5 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This makes the Black Lotus a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force of both switches plays a significant role in the typing experience, with the Black Lotus requiring a firmer touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier actuation force will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can have an impact on how the switch feels when pressed. The Black Lotus offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may be favored by those looking for a quicker response time due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch's sound profile is unknown, while the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a neutral sound signature. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments, making it a versatile option for users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch provides a silky and buttery typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and minimal resistance when typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, offering a mild tactility with a light touch. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to switches with a sharper bump, allowing for a gentler typing experience that still provides tactile feedback to the user.
Considering the available information, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch focuses on providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with a silky feel, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a balanced tactile experience with a medium tactility and a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering which switch to choose between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should first consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and precise typing experience with in-switch lighting and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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