Akko Botany vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present two distinct options catering to different user preferences. The Botany, known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, is a linear switch that delivers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it a favorite for those who prioritize speed and a satisfying auditory response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is recognized for its medium tactility and fairly light touch, providing a balanced "Goldilocks" experience for users who appreciate the tactile sensation without the noisy feedback, thanks to its neutral sound signature. Selecting between a linear switch like the Botany or a tactile option like the Violet Gold Pro ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and preference for auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
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
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a distinct contrast emerges in the top housings. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing which delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile, characterized by its soft plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a rounder acoustic quality, perfect for users who prefer a subtler auditory experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to sharper sounds, particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. While both switches aim to provide satisfying feedback, the differences in top housing materials mean that users will experience distinct sound profiles based on their choice.
On the other hand, both the Akko Botany and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces an element of consistency in the tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, similar to the performance of the nylon top housing in the Botany. This commonality ensures that when pressed, both switches will share that characteristic sound dampening quality, resulting in comparable feedback when bottoming out. Users can expect a consistent experience, as this similar material impacts how the switches feel during use, regardless of the differences in the top housings.
The interplay between the two housing materials in each switch underscores how sound and tactile experiences can be shaped by housing design. In the Akko Botany, with nylon on both top and bottom housing, the overall sound profile is unified and consistent, delivering a smooth and muffled typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro creates a hybrid effect, with a clear and resonant top sound from the polycarbonate while the nylon bottom provides a balance of resonance and depth. Thus, while the overall sound profiles differ due to the top housing, both switches allow users to enjoy similar tactile sensations, illustrating how specific materials can harmonize to create satisfying keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Akko Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Botany switch is more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro, with its higher actuation force, is likely preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Botany has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which aligns with its actuation force, suggesting a uniform feedback throughout its use. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is listed as unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares in that regard. Therefore, potential users may lean toward the lighter Botany switch if they prioritize comfort and ease of use, whereas the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those who favor a firmer feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we observe that the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference means that the Botany offers a more responsive experience for gamers seeking quicker key presses, as the shorter travel distance can facilitate faster response times. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, providing a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko Botany would be the preferable choice, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro could be better suited for those who prefer a more traditional and hearty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
The sound profile of the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clack, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. This distinctive sound can add an enjoyable element to the typing experience, particularly in casual settings where the slight noise can increase engagement. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature. Its moderate sound profile allows for versatility, making it equally suitable for both home and work environments where a quieter operation might be preferred. While the Botany is energetic and pronounced, the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced acoustic experience that doesn't overpower its surroundings.
When it comes to feel, the Botany linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, offering an uninterrupted typing experience and a consistent actuation force. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor linear switches for their fluidity. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a stepped tactile design, where users can feel a slight bump as they press the key down, allowing for a more pronounced feedback mechanism without being overly aggressive. This provides a sense of assurance during typing, capitalizing on a balanced tactile response that many find appealing.
In summary, if you're looking for an expressive typing experience with clear auditory feedback, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out as a lively choice. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more subdued sound with a comfortable tactile feel, making it a versatile option for various users. Despite their differences in sound and feel, both switches cater to distinct preferences, allowing newcomers to find their ideal typing experience based on personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use case. If you appreciate a light touch and enjoy a distinctly clacky sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it particularly suited for quick, rapid keystrokes, making it a favorite among gamers or those who appreciate a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force and unobtrusive sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is likely the better option for you. Its medium tactility and stepped design provide a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, ideal for daily typing tasks or professional environments where a subtlety in sound and feel is valued. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so consider your typing style and the environments in which you use your keyboard when making your choice.
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