Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as two exceptional tactile options. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly sharp and binary tactility, making it a top choice for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, appealing to those in search of a more balanced typing feel. While the Box Royal leans towards a higher-pitched sound, the Violet Gold Pro provides a neutral sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for their top housing. The Box Royal features a Nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro incorporates a Polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, especially in clear housings for RGB lighting, makes it a visually appealing choice for switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Box Royal and the Violet Gold Pro opt for Nylon material. This choice allows for a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, as Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the difference in their top housing material, the bottom housing of these switches provides a consistent sound and feel that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Box Royal and the Violet Gold Pro use different materials for their top housing, they both maintain the use of Nylon for the bottom housing to ensure a consistent typing experience. The differences in sound profiles between the softer Nylon and stiffer Polycarbonate materials highlight the importance of housing materials in creating unique typing experiences for users. Whether aiming for a deeper and fuller sound profile with Nylon or a sharper and crisper sound profile with Polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro does not have a specified bottom out force. This indicates that the Box Royal is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter switch may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier switch provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, those looking for a heavier typing feel may lean towards the Box Royal, while those looking for a lighter option might find the Violet Gold Pro to be more suitable. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience for users of these switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, which is shorter than the 3.8mm travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The Box Royal offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be more comfortable for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinctly different experiences. The Box Royal produces a high-pitched sound when pressed, giving off a sharp and crisp noise that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that suits a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by either switch.
As for feel, the Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a binary tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt with each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a stepped tactile feel, which provides a more subtle tactile response compared to the intense feedback of the Box Royal. With the Violet Gold Pro, users can expect a smoother and less aggressive typing experience that still offers a noticeable tactile response.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched, sharp tactile experience, the Box Royal would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more balanced and neutral typing experience with a lighter touch, the Violet Gold Pro may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp, aggressive tactility along with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light touch, medium tactility, and a neutral sound signature that provides a balanced typing experience, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is the ideal option. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactility intensity, sound profile, and typing experience when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
