Bsun Cliff vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options that cater to their unique typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff switch stands out with its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate audible feedback as a part of their typing experience. This switch is categorized with a clear focus on providing tactile sensation that enhances the responsiveness of each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro combines a medium tactility with a fairly light touch, delivering a more subdued sound signature for those who prefer a quieter operation. Often described as a "Goldilocks" option, the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance that makes it versatile for both gaming and typing without overwhelming the user with noise. Each switch brings its strengths to the table: the Cliff for its pronounced feedback and acoustic response, and the Violet Gold Pro for its balanced typing experience and subtlety. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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 Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share a striking similarity in their use of housing materials, both employing polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, ideal for users who prioritize clarity in their typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonation, making it a preferred choice for executing RGB lighting effects due to its translucency properties. As such, both switches promise an engaging auditory experience characterized by the same heightened frequencies and clarity, ensuring that users of either model will appreciate a vibrant sound when utilizing backlighting features.
When it comes to the bottom housing, however, the composition remains consistent across both models as they both utilize nylon. This material is recognized for its capability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded auditory experience during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that feels more muted and substantial. This complementary relationship between the top and bottom housing materials ensures that each switch maintains its individual auditory characteristics, allowing users to enjoy distinct experiences depending on which part of the keystroke they are focusing on.
In terms of overall performance, the Cliff and Violet Gold Pro offer similar benefits thanks to the shared polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. While the polycarbonate contributes to the sharpness of the sound when keys are released, the nylon ensures a richer, more satisfying feel during bottoming out. Since both switches utilize the same materials, users can expect notably similar auditory experiences and tactile feedback while typing. Even though the design and branding may differ, the fundamental performance attributes remain aligned, allowing users to find comfort in the shared quality of their sound profiles across both switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, leaving questions about how it compares to the Cliff's bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the Cliff may provide a lighter and more comfortable typing experience overall, the Violet Gold Pro's heavier actuation could contribute to a firmer typing experience for those who favor that tactile feedback. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that’s easier on the fingers, the Cliff is the better choice, while the Violet Gold Pro might suit those seeking a more robust typing feeling.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm highlights the contrasting characteristics of the two switches. The Cliff's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation, ideal for rapid key presses. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a pronounced key press. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Cliff switch would be the better choice; however, if you value a deeper actuation for a more robust typing experience, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch is noted for its crisp sound signature, which enhances the typing experience by providing clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it appealing for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic response in their typing. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound profile that is balanced, making it versatile for various environments. This neutrality allows for versatility in use, accommodating both casual and professional settings. Ultimately, while both switches have distinct sound qualities, the Cliff leans towards a more pronounced sound, while the Violet Gold Pro remains subdued, catering to different preferences for auditory feedback.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Bsun Cliff offers a medium tactile experience that provides sufficient feedback without being overwhelming, making it suitable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a stepped tactile feel, which means it has two distinct stages during the keystroke. This design allows users to experience a mild pre-travel and post-travel sensation, making it feel less pronounced than the Cliff. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, but personal preference will determine which style – a smooth tactile experience or a more gradual stepped action – is better suited for the individual.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches offer unique auditory and tactile features that cater to different user preferences. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility provide a more pronounced typing experience, whereas the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound along with a stepped feel that can be more comfortable for those who prefer a more gradual tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual taste and how one prioritizes sound and feel in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a tactile switch with a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, you may lean towards the Cliff, especially if you appreciate a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound profile, which can enhance your typing experience and provide satisfying auditory feedback. This could be particularly beneficial for fast typists or gamers seeking responsive feedback without any excessive resistance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more neutral sounding option that offers a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be your go-to choice. Its medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a sound signature that is less intrusive makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. Furthermore, the stepped tactile feel of the Violet Gold Pro allows for a controlled typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a subtler tactile response rather than a pronounced bump. Ultimately, the right switch for you boils down to your specific typing style, sound preferences, and use case, guiding you towards the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.
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