Kailh Box White V2 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in typing style and sound. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky feedback, providing users with a pronounced tactile response and a satisfying audible click with every keystroke. This makes them an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more engaging and interactive typing experience, often found in fast-paced gaming and coding scenarios. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present a more understated approach with medium tactility and a light touch, offering a smooth and neutral sound signature. This "Goldilocks" option appeals to those who crave a balanced typing experience without the distraction of loud clicks, making them suitable for office environments or late-night typing sessions. Both switches have their unique strengths: the Box White V2 excels in clear feedback and auditory satisfaction, while the Violet Gold Pro shines with its versatility and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice inherently contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant audio experience, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, especially those interested in RGB lighting. The translucency of this material provides an aesthetically pleasing finish that enhances the visual appeal of the switches when illuminated, ensuring a vibrant light dispersion that is integral to modern keyboard designs.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which allows for a unique duality in sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts nicely with the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination allows for a rich auditory experience where the Nylon bottom contributes to a more rounded and muted sound when bottoming out. As a result, both switches provide a well-rounded auditory profile that balances the sharper sounds of the top with the deeper sounds of the bottom.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they effectively complement each other to create a balanced acoustic profile. The polycarbonate top housing, utilized in both switches, enhances the brightness and clarity of the keystrokes, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound, showcasing the unique characteristics of each material. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound profile due to the consistent use of polycarbonate and nylon across both models, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that appeals to diverse preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation forces, with both switches requiring an actuation force of 45 grams. This similarity means users can expect a comparable feel when pressing the keys, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly, as the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is currently unknown. This difference suggests that the Box White V2 may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heavier key feel. Thus, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the Kailh Box White V2 is the heavier option in terms of bottoming out, favoring those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find that the Box White V2 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 Box White V2 offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Box White V2 would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel might opt for the Violet Gold Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 produces a distinct and pronounced click sound that is a hallmark of clicky switches. This sharp auditory feedback can be quite satisfying and offers a clear indication of actuation, making it popular among typists who enjoy an engaging and dynamic soundscape while they type. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a neutral sound profile, characterized by a more subdued and balanced acoustic experience. This moderate sound ensures that it's suitable for various environments, be it home or office, without causing too much distraction, making it a versatile choice for users who prefer a less obtrusive auditory signature.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in providing crisp tactile feedback that delivers a definite bump at the actuation point, contributing to a responsive and lively typing experience. This tactile sensation, paired with its audible click, ensures that typists can easily gauge their input. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility through its stepped design, which has a more gradual transition. This means that instead of one pronounced bump, typists experience a gentler tactile feedback that feels more spaced out, allowing for a smooth keystroke that can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro serve different preferences, they provide distinctive experiences in sound and feel. The Box White V2 appeals to users who crave a lively click and pronounced tactile feedback, perfect for energizing typing sessions. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro caters to those seeking a balanced, neutral acoustic environment with a smooth, stepped tactility for comfort over extended usage. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you desire the excitement of a clicky switch or the refined subtlety of a tactile one.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a vibrant and audible typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its clicky nature and crisp response can enhance both your typing and gaming experiences, making it suitable for those who relish the sensory feedback that comes with each keystroke. However, if you prefer a more balanced and versatile option, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro might be the better fit. With its medium tactility and neutral sound profile, it caters to a wider array of settings, whether for work or casual use, and provides a comfortable typing experience without being overly loud. Ultimately, consider your environment and how you plan to use your keyboard; if you find joy in an assertive typing engagement, go for the Box White V2, but if you seek a harmonized experience for various tasks, lean towards the Violet Gold Pro.
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