KTT Cream Yellow vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch stand out as popular options with their own unique characteristics. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience without too much resistance. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Cream Yellow labeled as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', while the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through the clear housing, making it aesthetically pleasing as well. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow uses nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics as the Cream Yellow in this aspect.
While both the Cream Yellow and the Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings that provide a distinct sound profile, it is the bottom housings where the switches diverge. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches. Despite these discrepancies, the switches share the benefit of having polycarbonate top housings, allowing for a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
In considering the impact of different housing materials, it is evident that the switch design is crucial in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials in the Cream Yellow and the Violet Gold Pro highlights how each component contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Understanding the qualities of each housing material is essential for users seeking a specific typing experience with their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cream Yellow also has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Cream Yellow switch. Both switches offer different preferences for users in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 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, making them suitable for gamers looking for fast response times. The Cream Yellow is the shorter option between the two, offering a slightly quicker keypress experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a slightly deeper keypress due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the level of keypress depth and responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is characterized by its bouncy sensation, offering a lively and elastic feedback upon keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a stepped tactile experience, giving a two-stage feel with mild tactility compared to hyper-tactile switches.
Overall, the Cream Yellow switch is favored for its bold clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, providing a unique and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more balanced and subtle sound profile with a stepped tactility for those seeking a gentle tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches will come down to individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you are deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature with a balanced tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a lively and resonant feel or a more subdued and balanced one. Happy typing!
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