Kailh Box White vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch. The Box White is ideal for those who value maximum audio feedback, as it provides a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with accented tactility. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making them a well-rounded option for a balanced typing experience. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a different sound profile - deeper and fuller. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the differences in their top and bottom housings lead to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The split housing design allows for the qualities of each material to be felt and heard differently when using the switches. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches offers a sharp and crisp sound, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those who enjoy a softer and more rounded typing feel. Whether you prioritize the feel of bottoming out keys or the sound when releasing them, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials to cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 50 grams, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Violet Gold Pro lighter in this aspect. Both switches have medium actuation forces, allowing for a balance between light and heavy typing experiences. However, the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressing the key compared to the Violet Gold Pro, whose bottom out force is unknown. This difference means that the Box White may offer a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Regardless, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches due to their relatively close specifications. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times. However, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, whether you choose the Kailh Box White or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, you can expect a similar overall experience with only a slight difference in travel distance.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched typing experience with a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This creates an immersive auditory experience that is sharp and clean. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is balanced and suitable for most users. The choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more distinct and clicky sound or a more moderate and muted one.
In terms of feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is referred to as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is more subtle compared to hypersensitive switches. This means users can feel some pre-travel and post-travel in their keystrokes, providing a different typing sensation compared to the polished feel of the Box White switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that offers maximum audio feedback with a crisp and sharp sound profile, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more balanced and moderate typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a highly tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Box White switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and smoother tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the type of sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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