Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between linear and tactile options. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch known for its smooth feel and lighter typing experience, with a higher-pitched clack adding a unique touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a tactile experience with medium tactility and a light touch, providing a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ in their top housing materials, with the Ink Box Pink featuring a proprietary INK blend top housing while the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend by Gateron offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, while polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Both materials bring unique sound characteristics to the switches, with the INK blend providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, and polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound profile that works well with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile is present in the bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink, creating a clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile that is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ in terms of their top and bottom materials, the impact of each material on the switch's sound profile is evident. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their housing materials, with the INK blend providing a higher-pitched and clacky sound, and the polycarbonate and nylon materials offering different levels of stiffness and sound absorption. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which requires 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams while the Violet Gold Pro's force is unknown. Both switches offer a medium weight option, which can provide a balance between lightness for extended typing comfort and heaviness for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times. The slightly longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel compared to the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Ink Box Pink produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, which can be perceived as sharp and bright. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and users. The choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Ink Box Pink providing a more distinct and pronounced typing noise, while the Violet Gold Pro delivers a more balanced and versatile sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance and a refined finish. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is characterized as stepped, providing a tactile sensation with two stages of feedback. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more subtle tactile feel compared to the Ink Box Pink, which prioritizes smoothness and polished key travel. Depending on whether one prefers a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother typing experience, the choice between these switches would vary.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink excels in delivering a high-pitched and clacky sound along with a silky and polished typing feel, ideal for those seeking a smooth and tactile-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a balanced and versatile typing sensation. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced tactile experience with a neutral sound signature and a medium level of tactility, the Violet Gold Pro could be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and level of tactility. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
