TTC Ice vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its stunning crystal-clear design and its smooth, responsive feel. This switch not only delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound but also caters to gamers and casual typists alike, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility, providing a balanced typing experience that strikes the ideal balance for users seeking gentle feedback without overwhelming resistance. With a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, this switch can appeal to a broad range of typists looking for a versatile option. Each switch comes with its own set of advantages; the Ice is perfect for those who crave a streamlined and fluid interaction, while the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who appreciate a bit of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. Both switches leverage the properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound emitted, making both switches particularly suitable for users seeking a clear auditory experience during typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches when illuminated.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches showcase different materials, with the TTC Ice utilizing polycarbonate and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro opting for nylon. The choice of nylon for the Violet Gold Pro allows for a different sound profile, one that is deeper and fuller compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the TTC Ice. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which contrasts with the sharper notes of the Ice. The distinct sound properties between the two bottom housings can lead to varied tactile experiences when typing, influencing the overall engagement with each switch.
Due to these differences, the overall sound and feel of each switch are a product of both the top and bottom housings. The TTC Ice’s combination of polycarbonate top and bottom delivers a consistent, brighter sound profile throughout the keystroke cycle, ensuring clarity on both the bottom-out and release. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro experiences a split sound dynamic; while the nylon bottom dampens the impact of the key press, the polycarbonate top retains some of the sharper characteristics during keystroke release. Thus, users can achieve different auditory results depending on their preference for either a purely crisp sound or a fuller, rounder auditory signature, highlighting the importance of material choice in switch design.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them equally responsive for typing and gaming, allowing for sustained use without excessive fatigue. This commonality suggests that users will experience similar keystroke actuation ease with both switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. However, a significant difference lies in their bottom out forces; the TTC Ice switch has a definitive bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it provides a more pronounced tactile feedback when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is listed as unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding its full resistance. Consequently, while the TTC Ice is categorized as medium-weight, the Violet Gold Pro's tactile experience remains unclear, making it difficult to classify it in terms of weight without additional information. For users who prefer a lighter switch, the TTC Ice would be the better choice, whereas the unknown bottom out characteristics of the Dareu switch means its suitability for heavier preferences cannot be confirmed.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch reveals a notable difference in their designs. The TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users of the TTC Ice will experience a more responsive keypress, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feedback when typing or gaming, offering a more profound sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—whether one prioritizes quickness and responsiveness or a more substantial feel while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound, which enhances the overall typing experience. Its design allows for clear acoustic projection, making it a suitable choice for both gaming and casual typists. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The combination of these attributes results in the Ice providing a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Violet Gold Pro maintains a subtler, more discreet sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, providing an enjoyable typing experience that supports fast keystrokes without any interruptions. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium level of tactility, characterized by a stepped actuation that allows users to feel a gentle bump during key travel. This makes the Violet Gold Pro a great choice for those who prefer some tactile feedback without the overpowering sensation of hypertactile switches, while the Ice focuses on uninterrupted smoothness.
In conclusion, if you are looking for switches that complement different typing preferences, the TTC Ice and Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct characteristics. The Ice linear switch leans towards a smoother, more pronounced experience with satisfying sounds, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced, tactile engagement with a neutral audio profile. Depending on your personal preference between linear and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver positive results in their own right, making either choice valid based on what you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the intended use for your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive keystroke for both gaming and everyday typing, the Ice switch would be the perfect match, particularly if you appreciate a satisfying sound upon bottoming out. Its medium 60-gram actuation force offers a balanced feel, making it versatile for various tasks. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile sensation that provides a clear feedback without being overly aggressive, the Violet Gold Pro switch stands out as an ideal choice. Its medium tactility and neutral sound profile make it suitable for a range of environments, whether you’re working from home or in a shared office. Ultimately, your decision should hinge upon whether you seek a linear experience with the Ice or a tactile engagement with the Violet Gold Pro, ensuring your keyboard enhances your overall typing pleasure.
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