Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is important to consider their individual characteristics and strengths. The Gateron Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch offers a smooth and clacky feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches boast a medium level of tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making them a perfect "Goldilocks" option for users seeking a balanced typing experience. While both switches have their own unique features and advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gateron Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The differences in the materials used for the top housing between the two switches result in slightly varying sound characteristics, with the INK blend offering a more subtle and smooth sound compared to the more resonant sound produced by polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Yellow's INK blend contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials further distinguishes the sound profiles of the two switches, with the Gateron Ink Yellow offering a sharper and more clacky sound, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a rounder and duller sound experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in determining the sound characteristics of mechanical switches. While the Gateron Ink Yellow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches differ in their housing materials, each offers unique sound profiles that cater to specific preferences. Whether it be the pointed and high-pitched sound of the Gateron Ink Yellow's INK blend or the sharper and crisper sound of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate housing, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that can be tailored to individual preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of bottoming out pressure. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may enjoy the Violet Gold Pro for extended periods of typing, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing pressure and key feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a longer travel distance than the Ink Yellow. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress feeling. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various typing preferences. The Ink Yellow is noted for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more subdued sound experience. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard brand and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel that falls into a comfortable middle ground for most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro boasts a stepped tactile feel, providing a two-stage sensation that is gentler compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. These differences in feel cater to users with varying preferences for key response and typing feedback.
In conclusion, when considering the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Yellow provides a smoother and clackier sound profile along with a mild and polished feel, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. However, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing feel, both switches are likely to provide similar results with slight differences in sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and clackier typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and smooth key travel, but the decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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