HMX EVA vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences can significantly influence the typing experience. The HMX EVA, a linear switch inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and resonant sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents itself as a tactile switch with medium tactility and a relatively light touch, featuring a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance for users seeking a pleasant typing experience without being overly harsh or muted. While the EVA might appeal to gamers and typists looking for uninterrupted strokes, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more engaging feedback that many find enjoyable for typing. 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
3.60 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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents distinct differences that affect the overall auditory experience of each switch. The EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and warmer sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's inherent softness, allowing it to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a fuller auditory character. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and more pronounced sound profile due to the material's stiffer nature. Polycarbonate, being a harder plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant tonal quality that often pairs well with RGB lighting, allowing for an aesthetically pleasing light diffusion through its translucency.
When considering the bottom housing, both switches use nylon for this aspect, which yields a similar outcome in terms of sound characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing across both models contributes to a consistent experience, providing a deep, rich sound profile. This shared material choice ensures that users of both switches will experience a softer, less aggressive sound on bottoming out, creating a sense of continuity in feel and tonal depth. Because the bottom housing's qualities largely influence the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, this alignment in material helps maintain a cohesive user experience for those who prioritize deeper, fuller sounds in their typing.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the HMX EVA and Dareu Violet Gold Pro diverge significantly—one offering a soft and dull sound profile and the other a sharp and clear one—their shared nylon material in the bottom housings provides a common ground. This means that even with the contrasting auditory experiences produced by the different top housings, users can still anticipate a consistent bottom-out feel and sound when using either switch. By understanding how each material contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback, users can make informed choices based on their preferences for typing aesthetics and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, their actuation forces differ slightly, with the EVA requiring 42 grams and the Violet Gold Pro requiring a heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This means the EVA switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing and gaming sessions without as much strain. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown, while the EVA’s bottom out force is 48 grams. This gives the EVA a slight edge in terms of what is known about its tactile feedback and user experience, as it provides a defined resistance when the key is fully pressed down. For users desiring a lighter typing experience, the HMX EVA would be a preferred choice, whereas those looking for more resistance may lean toward the Violet Gold Pro, assuming its bottom out force aligns favorably with its actuation. Overall, the EVA switch is the lighter option, while the Violet Gold Pro is heavier but lacks complete data on its bottom out force for a more comprehensive assessment.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference that caters to different preferences in typing feel and responsiveness. The HMX EVA boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro extends slightly further at 3.8 mm. This means that for users seeking a quicker, more responsive key press—typically favored by gamers—the EVA switch may be more suitable due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience that provides a deeper feel may prefer the Violet Gold Pro, as its longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EVA linear switch produces a resonant sound signature that can evoke a distinctive auditory experience, reminiscent of its inspiration from the iconic Evangelion Unit-01. This character lends a certain uniqueness that many users may appreciate, particularly those drawn to a more thematic typing ambiance. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature. This means it strikes a balance between loud and quiet, making it suitable for diverse environments, whether at home or in an office setting without causing undue disturbance. While the EVA’s sound may capture attention for its resonance, the Violet Gold Pro provides an unobtrusive experience that many might find more versatile.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EVA switch is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, offering a seamless keystroke that promotes a satisfying, uninterrupted flow of writing or gaming. This smoothness is particularly appealing for users who value quick, fluid actions without tactile interruptions. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium level of tactility characterized by a stepped sensation. This means that users will experience a mild bump during the actuation, providing a clear and pleasant feedback without overshadowing the overall typing experience. While the EVA focuses on unbroken smoothness, the Violet Gold Pro’s tactile nature allows for a more pronounced break in the keystroke, catering to those who appreciate some feedback in their typing.
In conclusion, selecting between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. While the EVA offers a resonant and smooth experience that stands out with its unique auditory signature, the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who prefer a neutral sound and a more defined tactile feedback with its stepped design. Both switches have their respective strengths, and depending on your typing style and environment, either could serve you well in achieving an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter key press with a smooth and fluid feel, ideal for rapid typing or gaming, the HMX EVA would be a great fit for you. Its resonant sound signature and connection to the iconic Evangelion Unit-01 add a unique flair, making it a solid choice if aesthetics matter to you. Alternatively, if you enjoy the tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced "Goldilocks" experience, making it a versatile option for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced typist. Its neutral sound profile and stepped tactile response provide more feedback than a linear switch without being too jarring. Therefore, consider how much feedback you like when typing: go for the EVA for a smooth experience and vibrant design, or choose the Violet Gold Pro for a well-rounded and comfortable tactile feel in various environments.
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