Gateron Ink Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between linear and tactile can greatly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, stands out for its lower actuation force, making it a great option for those with a lighter typing style. Known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy sound profile, the Ink Reds are effortless to type on and are categorized as ['neutral', 'silky', 'chirpy', 'mild', 'polished']. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch, providing a balanced typing experience for users. Positioned as a "Goldilocks" tactile option, these switches have a neutral sound signature and are categorized as ['stepped', 'neutral']. Each switch has its own strengths and can cater to different preferences, but ultimately the best choice will depend on your personal typing style and preferences. However, let's explore further beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Red offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound described as clacky, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The difference in housing material results in varying sound qualities, with the INK blend producing a relatively high-pitched sound compared to the polycarbonate which offers a clearer and more resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red mirrors its top housing characteristics with a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. This difference in material contributes to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches exhibit distinct qualities, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch contribute differently to the overall sound profile. The properties of the top housing material influence the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch. Understanding how these materials interact can help users appreciate the nuances in sound and tactile feedback between switches, even when they use similar or different housing materials. Ultimately, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the typing experience and sound signature of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is important to note that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of both switches, as this allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances, the Ink Red offers a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of typing environments. However, the Ink Red also has a chirpy sound characteristic that sets it apart with a unique acoustic signature. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a silky typing experience that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance, making it effortless to type on. The mild and polished qualities of the Ink Red also contribute to a comfortable and approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile experience with two distinct stages during the keystroke, adding a different dimension to the typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a linear switch with a lower actuation force and a crispy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch with medium tactility and a fairly light touch, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a balanced typing experience. While they have some differences in sound and feel, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your preference. It's important to consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with smooth key presses and a clacky sound, the Ink Red could be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a balanced tactile feedback with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you while typing.
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