Huano Elf vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each option brings its own unique qualities to the table, influencing users' typing experiences. The Huano Elf switches are particularly celebrated for their linear design and the innovative POK top housing, which enhances acoustics, creating a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel. This makes them an excellent choice for typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback, allowing for rapid key presses and a satisfying, fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium level of tactility along with a fairly light touch, delivering a neutral sound signature that many users find appealing for a balanced experience. These characteristics make the Violet Gold Pro an ideal option for those seeking a "Goldilocks" tactile switch—not too soft or hard, but just right for both typing and gaming. Each of these switches has distinct advantages depending on the user's preferences: whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or a tactile bump for feedback. 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
N/A
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
POK
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
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we find a divergence in the top housing while both share the same material for their bottom housing. The Elf utilizes a POK top housing, which is known for its low coefficient of friction and impressive durability. With wear resistance significantly higher than POM and shock resistance that outshines Nylon, the POK material not only contributes to a smooth typing experience but also enhances the overall clackiness and durability of the switch. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material celebrated for its stiffer composition and translucent nature that allows for a sharper, more resonant sound when combined with RGB lighting. While the Elf’s POK delivers a dulcet and robust typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more vibrant auditory profile, demonstrating how the choice of top housing impacts key characteristics such as sound and tactile feedback.
Interestingly, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which serves to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material results in a consistent auditory experience for both switches, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The softer composition of nylon absorbs sound, making it invaluable for achieving a satisfying acoustic response that complements the various qualities introduced by the differing top housings. Despite the differences found in their top materials, both switch designs benefit from the insulating properties of the nylon bottom, ensuring that the overall sound output retains a certain depth and richness regardless of the top housing's contribution.
Ultimately, the combination of varying materials in the Huano Elf and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro leads to distinct profiles in sound and feel while maintaining some overlapping qualities due to their shared nylon bottom housing. While the Elf’s POK top enhances smoothness and durability, resulting in a more clacky typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro’s polycarbonate top heightens sound clarity and aesthetic appeal, especially under RGB lighting. However, the similar substrate of nylon used in both switches balances these divergences, creating a fuller auditory foundation irrespective of the differences in the top housings. This synergy of materials illustrates how the distinct characteristics of each can coexist, offering users a range of tactile experiences in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch exhibit a slight difference in actuation force, with the Elf requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Unfortunately, both switches do not provide specific bottom out force measurements, so we cannot compare this particular aspect for either switch. However, since the Elf has a lower actuation force, it can be considered the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced fatigue is desired. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel, providing a more tactile feedback experience. Thus, while both switches have a similar unknown bottom out force, their actuation forces cater to different user preferences in terms of typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this comparison, the Elf switch offers the shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, provides a slightly deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Huano Elf is the better option, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may be more comfortable for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a more resonant auditory experience. This makes it particularly appealing for enthusiasts who enjoy a richer sound while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is more understated and adaptable, catering to a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Elf switch emphasizes a more profound auditory characteristic, the Violet Gold Pro maintains a balanced and moderate sound, ideal for those who prefer not to draw attention with louder key presses.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch delivers a medium-light feel, which can provide a satisfying typing experience without overly taxing the user's fingers during extended use. This makes it accessible for both casual and serious typists alike. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch, characterized by a "stepped" sensation, where the keystroke features a clear distinction between pre-travel and post-travel. This design allows for a mild tactile feedback that many users find enjoyable, but it is different from the smoothness of a linear switch like the Elf. Both switches promise a comfortable experience, yet they cater to different preferences—smooth versus tactility.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch provides a deep, engaging sound with a medium-light feel, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic profile. The Dareu Violet Gold Pro, with its neutral sound and mild tactile feedback, serves as a versatile option suitable for various typing scenarios. While they each offer distinct experiences, your ultimate choice may hinge on whether you favor a rich soundscape or a balanced, tactile interaction while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-light feel, then the Huano Elf is an excellent choice, especially if you favor a typing experience that emphasizes acoustics and a satisfying travel. This switch is ideal for tasks that require speed and fluidity, such as gaming or extensive typing, where distraction from tactile feedback might hinder performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard that maintains some tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would suit you well. Its balanced "Goldilocks" feel makes it appropriate for both casual and professional environments, as it provides a neutral sound profile that fits seamlessly into any setting. Its stepped tactile response offers a mild but defined feedback, making it perfect for users who enjoy the satisfaction of tactile cues while typing, but do not want a switch that is too aggressive. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and whether you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted motion or a bit of tactile feedback to enhance your experience.
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