Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are often two main categories - linear and tactile. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red stands out as a linear switch, designed to provide a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. Not only does it offer a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, but it also features a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch known for its medium tactility and light touch, making it a "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the G Pro Red excels in providing a creamy and polished typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro focuses on offering a stepped and neutral feel. Both switches have their own unique advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. With both switches having polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual appeal when using either keyboard.
In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both keyboards allows for a consistent typing experience and sound quality for users.
When comparing the two keyboards, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer a balance of sound profiles with their combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, providing users with a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter than the Violet Gold Pro, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a factor. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of when the keystroke is registered, but the difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different feel when fully pressing down the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and depth, so ultimately the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are using these switches at home or work, they are suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. This means that the switch is smooth, gentle, refined, and exceptionally smooth when typing, providing a satisfying and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, giving it a tactile sensation with two stages in the keystroke. It offers a mild and slightly different typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during typing.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience with medium-light actuation force and various tactile profiles, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a stepped feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing performance and overall keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality characteristics that will provide a pleasant typing experience for users, ensuring that they get similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth linear switch with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, then the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium tactility and a fairly light touch, the Violet Gold Pro would be a suitable option. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles and have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on what typing experience you are looking for.
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