Gateron Glory Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present two distinct typing experiences, each appealing to different preferences among users. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and lighter touch, delivering a pleasant and uninterrupted typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it an attractive choice for those who want a balanced tactile feedback without overwhelming noise—effectively positioning it as a "Goldilocks" option between soft and firm switches. While the Glory Red may be perfect for those looking for speed and smoothness, the Violet Gold Pro caters to users who enjoy a slight tactile bump that enhances their typing precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ significantly in their choice of materials for the top housing, which affects the acoustics and overall typing experience of each switch. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing that is known for its soft plastic characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound, creating a rounder auditory experience that is more muted. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual appearance of the switch. As a result, users of the Gateron Glory Red will experience a more subdued sound while typing, whereas those using the Dareu Violet Gold Pro can expect a crisper and more resonant auditory feedback.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share a nylon bottom housing. This uniformity in material contributes significantly to the typing feel and bottom-out sound for both switches. The nylon bottom housing, similar to the one used in the Glory Red's top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, which acts to soften the typing experience across both switches. Consequently, while the top housing characteristics diverge, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain some common acoustic features, particularly in how they sound when a key is fully pressed down.
The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Violet Gold Pro represents an interesting hybrid approach, as it allows for the benefits of both materials to be experienced. While the top housing creates a more resonant sound when the key is released, the nylon bottom counterbalances this by contributing a softer sound upon bottom out. In comparison, the Gateron Glory Red's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom results in a thoroughly muted experience throughout. Ultimately, the way each housing material interacts will define the unique sound profile and tactile feel of the switches, making for distinctly different typing experiences. Thus, while the Gateron Glory Red impresses with a cohesive and quiet sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro dazzles with its vibrant sound and aesthetic versatility through its top housing design.
Weight
Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that users will experience a similar level of resistance when triggering a keystroke with either switch. This characteristic makes both switches suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as their lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue over time. However, both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, which means we cannot compare this aspect directly. Without specific bottom out force values, we can't ascertain if one might feel heavier or lighter when pressed fully down. Generally, the uniformity in actuation force indicates that users will likely have a comparable experience regarding the initial keystroke activation between the two switch options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Glory Red offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you prioritize responsiveness, opt for the Gateron Glory Red; if you enjoy a fuller tactile feedback, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is noted for its smooth keystroke, which contributes to a satisfying auditory experience as you type. While the switch is not overly loud, it produces a pleasant sound with each keystroke that many users find enjoyable, especially for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, with its moderate actuation force yielding a sound profile that suits a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This makes the Violet Gold Pro versatile, ensuring users won't draw too much attention while typing, appealing to both beginners and experienced typists alike.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a straightforward linear experience that many users describe as smooth throughout the key press. This lack of tactile feedback allows for quick and uninterrupted typing, ideal for those who prefer a fast-paced experience without any bumps to disrupt their flow. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is characterized as a stepped tactile switch. This means it provides a distinctive sensation as you press down, with pre-travel and post-travel stages that give feedback without being overly pronounced. This feature positions the Violet Gold Pro as a balanced option for users who enjoy some tactile feedback without the aggressiveness found in more hypertactile designs.
In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Gateron Glory Red emphasizes smooth operation and a more fluid typing experience, making it great for those who prioritize speed and minimal resistance. The Dareu Violet Gold Pro, with its balanced tactile feedback and neutral sound, serves as a versatile choice for users seeking both comfort and mild feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the smooth glide of a linear switch or the engaging feedback of a stepped tactile switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch primarily depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you lean towards a smoother feel and a more straightforward keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Glory Red is likely the better choice for you. It's perfect for fast typists or gamers who prefer a linear switch that allows for rapid key presses without interruption. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback that can help with typing accuracy while still enjoying a balanced sound, the Violet Gold Pro serves as an excellent option. Its medium tactility and neutral sound make it versatile for various environments, whether you're typing up documents at work or gaming at home. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal style: opt for the Glory Red if you value speed and smoothness, and consider the Violet Gold Pro if you seek a tactile yet balanced typing experience.
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