HMX Hibiscus vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Hibiscus switches stand out for their unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, making them an exceptional option for typists who prioritize a fluid and effortless keystroke. The satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature adds a playful auditory element that can enhance the enjoyment of typing. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present a balanced tactile feel, with medium tactility and a fairly light touch that allows for precise feedback without the clunky resistance some users find off-putting. With their neutral sound signature, they appeal to those seeking a versatile and unobtrusive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches hinges on your personal preferences for smoothness versus tactility. 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
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
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 HMX Hibiscus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase two distinct approaches to housing materials in mechanical switches, highlighting unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Hibiscus features a top housing made of nylon, a material well-known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is characterized by a duller, rounder quality. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's top housing utilizes polycarbonate, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. The transparency of polycarbonate also lends itself to enhanced aesthetic appeal, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through more effectively, creating a vibrant visual effect.
While the top housing of these two switches differs significantly in material and resulting sound profile, the bottom housing for both the Hibiscus and the Violet Gold Pro is made of nylon. This creates a similarity in auditory experience for the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. As nylon is employed in both cases, users can expect that typing on either switch will evoke that characteristic deeper, fuller sound when bottoming out. This commonality helps to bridge the experiences offered by the two switches, ensuring that the softer touch and sound associated with nylon remains a consistent feature for both models.
In summary, the combined effect of the dual housing materials in these switches leads to distinctive yet comparable outcomes. The Hibiscus, with its nylon top housing, offers a more subdued sound experience, while the Violet Gold Pro’s polycarbonate top elevates clarity and sharpness. However, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches maintain a familiar depth in sound during key presses. As a result, users who prioritize a softer auditory experience will find similarities in the bottoming-out aspects of both switches, despite the variations present in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find that the Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Hibiscus more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro caters to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, enhancing their tactile experience. However, the Violet Gold Pro lacks a specified bottom out force, whereas the Hibiscus has a bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, while both switches provide distinct typing experiences, the Hibiscus switch stands out for its overall lighter feel, making it more accessible for extended typing, while the Violet Gold Pro may appeal more to those seeking a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it's clear that the Hibiscus offers a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that if you are looking for a more responsive feel in your key presses, the Hibiscus may be the better choice, providing quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial depth and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Overall, if you prioritize speed and rapid response, the Hibiscus is the preferable option, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more traditional and robust typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Hibiscus linear switches present a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. This lively auditory feedback is often preferred by users who enjoy a more engaging and acoustic typing environment. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches feature a neutral sound signature, characterized as moderate and unobtrusive. This makes them versatile enough to be utilized in various settings, whether at home or in an office, without being distracting. However, it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard casing or keycap material, potentially allowing for similar noise levels under certain conditions.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. This quality makes them stand out among mechanical switches, appealing to typists who value a fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are classified as having a medium tactility, which offers a mild "stepped" feel as users can sense a slight difference in stages during keypresses. This adds a layer of feedback without being overwhelming, making it suitable for those who appreciate a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences, both can provide enjoyable typing experiences. The Hibiscus switch excels in auditory engagement with its clacky sound and fluid feel, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound and a balanced tactile experience suitable for a variety of environments. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, and users may find satisfaction in varying degrees with either option.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a light and smooth keystroke experience with a satisfying clacky sound, then the Hibiscus switch is an ideal option for you, particularly if you engage in extensive typing or gaming sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount. Its ultra-light actuation force can enhance your overall performance, making it a top choice for those who prioritize responsiveness over feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a balanced tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Violet Gold Pro is a great fit. Its medium tactility and neutral sound profile make it suitable for both work and leisure, offering a "Goldilocks" experience that isn't too heavy or too light, ideal for users who enjoy the occasional satisfaction of tactile feedback without the clackiness. In conclusion, consider your usage scenarios: choose the Hibiscus for a fast, smooth typing experience and opt for the Violet Gold Pro for a versatile blend of comfort and feedback.
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