Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch stands out with its smooth keystroke and slightly heavier resistance, delivering a satisfying typing experience with its pleasing travel distance, making it a great choice for those who enjoy uninterrupted key presses and quick action in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium level of tactility without being overly harsh, featuring a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature. This characteristic positions it as a versatile “Goldilocks” tactile option, ideal for users seeking a balanced experience that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms their typing expectations. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, making them attractive choices in the mechanical keyboard realm. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches highlight important differences that influence their acoustic profiles. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller tone. This characteristic gives the switch a softer, more muted sound that appeals to users who prefer a more subdued auditory response. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more articulated and clear auditory feedback. This fundamental difference in materials plays a crucial role in how sound is perceived when typing on each switch, offering distinct experiences depending on user preference.
Despite their differing top housing materials, both the Glory Yellow and the Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches share similar acoustic properties regarding the bottom-out sound and overall feel during use. Given that nylon is softer and more sound-absorbent, both switches will deliver a duller, rounder sound when fully pressed. Such consistency in the bottom housing helps ensure that both switches maintain a somewhat similar tactile response, providing a cohesive typing experience for users who appreciate a less intrusive bottom-out sound, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ prominently in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate, respectively—their shared nylon bottom housing offers a tangible common ground in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Therefore, users can expect a blend of experiences: the Glory Yellow presenting a deeper auditory profile due to its nylon top and the Violet Gold Pro offering clarity and sharpness thanks to its polycarbonate top. Ultimately, the impact of the bottom housing ensures that users will experience some similarities, even as the top housing contributes contrasting characteristics to each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Violet Gold Pro the lighter option, potentially more suitable for users who value comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming. However, both switches share an unknown bottom out force, meaning we cannot assess their performance when fully depressed. If their bottom out forces were known and differed, that could further influence decision-making based on individual preferences for typing feedback. Overall, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Violet Gold Pro would be ideal, while the more substantial actuation force of the Glory Yellow could better satisfy those who enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there's a noticeable difference. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Violet Gold Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is comparatively shorter. This difference in travel distance can affect the typing experience; the Glory Yellow offers a fuller, deeper key press, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Conversely, gamers often favor the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, as it may allow for quicker responses and a more immediate feel, even though some might find it feels a bit abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow switch is characterized by a smooth keystroke that tends to be on the quieter side, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. While the specific sound profile isn't detailed, linear switches like the Glory Yellow typically produce a softer noise compared to tactile or clicky switches, making them suitable for shared or quieter environments. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a neutral sound signature. This means it strikes a balance that is neither too loud nor too soft, making it versatile across various settings, whether at home or in a workplace. The moderate sound profile of the Violet Gold Pro is likely well-received by those looking for a switch that doesn't draw too much attention yet still provides auditory feedback during use.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its enjoyable keystroke, which many users find smooth and satisfying, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience. It offers a consistent actuation without any bumps or distractions, making it ideal for those who prefer a fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is designed with a medium tactility that introduces a stepped feel, allowing users to experience a mild tactile bump during the keystroke. This feature can enhance typing accuracy for some, as it creates a clear point of actuation that helps the typist gauge when a keypress has registered without being overly pronounced.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences, they both offer unique advantages. The smoothness of the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who prefer linear switches, while the tactility and neutrality of the Violet Gold Pro might attract users looking for a balanced experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to whether you value a seamless keystroke or a defined tactile response, but both are likely to provide an enjoyable typing experience depending on your individual preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke with a consistent and straightforward typing experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly for gamers who value swift key presses and want to capitalize on rapid actuation without any tactile feedback. This switch's design caters well to those who prefer a lighter touch and a more fluid motion, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions or typing tasks where speed is prioritized. On the other hand, if you seek a balanced typing experience with tactile feedback, the Violet Gold Pro is the way to go. Its moderate tactility provides a gentle bump that enhances typing accuracy without being overly distracting, making it ideal for both work and casual use. The neutral sound profile and stepped feel contribute to a satisfying typing experience, striking the right balance for users who enjoy a tactile sensation without the excessive noise. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor a sleek, linear response or a satisfying, tactile interaction as you navigate your keyboard journey.