Gateron CM vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CM and Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The CM switch stands out for its full nylon housing, providing a deeper sound signature and smooth typing journey thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. With a bouncy typing experience due to its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', and more. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making it a well-balanced option for those seeking a tactile experience. Categorized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral', the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a Goldilocks-like typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches differ in their top housing material, with the CM featuring a nylon top housing compared to the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing. The nylon material in the CM switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and typing experience of a switch.
On the other hand, both the Gateron CM and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches share a nylon bottom housing material. This means that despite the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing of these switches will contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how certain materials can provide consistent sound qualities across different switches, even when other components may differ.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how each housing material affects the typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback. Whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall performance of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the CM switch is heavier in both aspects. The CM switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro switch, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the heavier Gateron CM switch. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and preference for each user.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear 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 range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Gateron CM linear switch with its 3.6 mm travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly deeper key press might find the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments and preferences. Both switches will provide satisfying sound experiences, with the CM offering a richer bass tone and the Violet Gold Pro providing a more balanced sound for everyday typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, promising a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is labeled as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is more mild compared to hypersensitive switches. Both switches provide unique typing sensations, with the CM switches focusing on providing a silky, frictionless typing experience and the Violet Gold Pro switches offering a more nuanced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The CM switches excel in delivering a deeper and richer sound with a seamless typing sensation, thanks to their full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches provide a balanced, neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feedback, making them an ideal choice for users seeking a moderate typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a bouncy typing experience with a rich, deep sound profile and a smooth, buttery keystroke, then the Gateron CM linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a specific typing feel and sound when choosing between these two switches.
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