Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch, designed for delicate typists who prefer effortless and sensitive keystrokes with its incredibly light actuation force of 38g. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch, offering a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature for a balanced typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 White provides a premium typing feel with bright RGB lighting and a satisfying auditory feedback, the Violet Gold Pro offers a Goldilocks tactile option for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This results in a distinct sound and feel when typing on these switches, as the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is pressed and released.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This contrast in bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
In terms of overall sound profile and typing experience, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the G Pro 3.0 White offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth. The clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing is complemented by the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing, creating a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's consistent use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings may result in a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing process. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a lighter touch, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a bit more resistance for those seeking a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches provide a tactile feel when pressed, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Violet Gold Pro. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience for users. Gamers may prefer the G Pro 3.0 White for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more responsive feel during gameplay. On the other hand, users looking for a faster response time may opt for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique benefits based on their travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is described as having a clacky and medium-high pitch sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is noted for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound, with the G Pro 3.0 White being more distinctive and the Violet Gold Pro being more versatile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a smooth and light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a tactile response with pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 White focusing on light actuation and effortless keystrokes, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more defined tactility for those who prefer a bit more feedback.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer different but complementary typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 White excels in providing a light and easy typing feel with a clacky sound, ideal for delicate typists looking for a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced tactile typing experience with a neutral sound, catering to those who prefer a medium tactility in their switches. Both switches have their unique qualities, but users can expect a premium typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch with a light actuation force and a satisfying auditory feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a great choice for delicate typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch for a balanced typing experience, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is the way to go. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a clacky and subdued sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a neutral sound signature. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro gives a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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