HMX Canglan V2 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The Canglan V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound and smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a quiet yet satisfying typing experience—perfect for both gaming marathons and long writing sessions. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro stands out as a tactile switch that offers a balanced medium tactility without excessive resistance, making it a "Goldilocks" option for users seeking comfort and feedback without overwhelming loudness. Each switch provides unique advantages depending on your typing style, whether you prefer the uninterrupted flow of a linear switch or the reassuring bump of a tactile one. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Canglan V2 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro keyboard switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, leading to notable differences in sound profiles and performance. The Canglan V2's top housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound and results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer material produces a duller, rounder sound when typing, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more muted and comfortable keypress feel. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a much stiffer material. This design choice contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the acoustic clarity and resonance during typing. The difference in materials thus creates a unique auditory experience, with the Canglan V2 leaning toward warmth and subtlety, while the Violet Gold Pro emphasizes brightness and articulation.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which brings a consistent element to their overall sound profiles. The specific use of nylon in both the Canglan V2 and the Violet Gold Pro results in a deeper, fuller sound when bottoming out a key. This shared bottom housing material helps balance out the differences created by the top housings; while the Canglan V2 continues to deliver a more muted experience, the Nylon bottom in the Violet Gold Pro hyphenates the higher-pitched notes from its polycarbonate top with a fuller sound. Therefore, the combination of a softer top housing and a nylon bottom allows the Canglan V2 to excel in producing a rounded auditory experience, while the Violet Gold Pro’s nylon bottom complements its more resonant and sharper top housing.
Ultimately, the variations in the top housing materials between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro generate a diverse range of tactile and auditory experiences. If both switches delivered similar results, it would be due to the nylon bottom housing's effect, which consistently dampens sound and contributes to a similar bottoming-out feel across both models. Therefore, both switches benefit from a dual-material approach, where the top housing shapes the immediate sound experience and character while the nylon bottom maintains a level of consistency. Understanding these nuances helps users make informed choices based on preferred sound profiles, thus catering to individual typing preferences, whether one favors the warmth of nylon or the crispness of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer the ease of typing over extended sessions, such as during long work hours or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force is unknown. The absence of information regarding the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro means we cannot draw a direct comparison in that aspect. However, given the available data, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option compared to the Violet Gold Pro, appealing to those who seek a less strenuous typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, while those who appreciate a firmer actuation may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 provides a more responsive keypress, making it ideal for gamers who favor quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced and hearty feel while typing, potentially providing a more satisfying tactile feedback. If you prefer a switch that prioritizes responsiveness, the Canglan V2 would be the better choice, whereas the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who appreciate a deeper keypress experience. Overall, the difference in travel distance reflects a choice between speed and depth in user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch is known for its thocky quality, providing a deep and satisfying audio experience that enthusiasts crave. This robust sound profile is largely attributed to the meticulous blending of materials and advanced molding techniques utilized in its design. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a balanced auditory experience that is neither too loud nor too soft. This quality makes the Violet Gold Pro versatile, suitable for various environments and users, from those new to mechanical keyboards to seasoned typists. While the Canglan V2 delivers a more defined acoustic punch, the Violet Gold Pro offers a soundscape that’s unobtrusive and pleasant.
Regarding feel, the HMX Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its smooth, light action, allowing for effortless keystrokes that enhance the overall typing experience. This ease of use is particularly appealing for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is designed with a medium level of tactility, presenting a distinct yet mild step in the keystroke that marks its actuation point. This stepped tactile response provides subtle feedback, which can aid typists in preventing bottoming out while maintaining comfort. While both switches cater to a light touch, the Canglan V2 emphasizes a seamless linear experience, while the Violet Gold Pro brings a more textured interaction to the table.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer differing auditory and tactile experiences. The Canglan V2’s deep thock and smooth linearity contrast with the Violet Gold Pro’s neutral sound and stepped tactile feedback. If you're looking for a heavier auditory impact and a smooth feel, the Canglan V2 is your go-to. However, if you prefer a balanced and mild tactile experience with versatile sound qualities, you might find the Violet Gold Pro more appealing. Both options have unique attributes that cater to different preferences, ensuring that there's something for everyone in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a responsive and smooth keystroke that emphasizes a satisfying auditory experience, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force and deep sound signature make it ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming. Conversely, if you desire a more balanced, tactile experience that offers noticeable feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Violet Gold Pro is the way to go. Its neutral sound profile and medium tactility make it suitable for a wide range of applications, whether at home or in an office environment. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most in your typing experience—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—before making your decision between these two appealing switches.
Mentioned in this article
