Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The Box Jade is a favorite among typists looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility, thanks to its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a balanced option for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics and benefits, 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in the sound of each keystroke. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that are designed to showcase RGB lighting effects. Despite using the same material for their top housings, the unique designs and shapes of the housings may still result in slightly different sound profiles when typing on the switches.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This material choice for the bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience by providing a more satisfying sound and feel with each keystroke. While the use of nylon in the bottom housing is the same for both switches, variations in the design and construction of the housings may still influence the typing experience.
The split between the top and bottom housings in these switches means that the qualities of each housing material are distributed in different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer a unique and enhanced typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The Box Jade falls on the heavier side in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience. However, without information on the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro, it is difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall weight. Both switches offer different benefits based on their actuation and bottom out force, catering to users' preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. While the Box Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, the difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to most users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches should be based on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating tactile experience, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped feel, giving the user a sensation of two stages during the keystroke - a distinct characteristic that sets it apart from the more traditional tactile switches. Both switches provide a different tactile experience that caters to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a distinct high-pitched clicky sound and crunchy tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel that offers a balance between tactility and smoothness, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a light touch, the Violet Gold Pro switches are a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of sound profile and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch.
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