HMX Jelly vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly 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 switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the HMX Jelly and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth operation and low-pitched, deep thocky sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted keystroke. With a lightweight 42g actuation force and excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly switch is perfect for gamers and typists who enjoy rapid key presses without the tactile feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, establishing itself as a versatile "Goldilocks" choice for users seeking a balanced typing experience. Its stepped, tactile feedback provides just enough resistance to help users feel each keystroke without being too overwhelming. While the Jelly excels in smoothness and sound, the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its tactile feel and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which fundamentally influence the sound profiles each switch produces. The HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity, leading to a sharper and crisper sound when typing. The use of polycarbonate not only promotes a clearer audio experience but also allows for enhanced RGB lighting visibility thanks to its translucent properties. Thus, while the HMX Jelly provides a more rounded sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro delivers a more pronounced auditory clarity, catering to different preferences among users.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the comparison becomes more uniform as both the HMX Jelly and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature nylon materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs vibrations effectively, resulting in a mellow auditory experience when keys bottom out. In this aspect, both switches share a commonality; users can expect similar sound qualities from the bottom housing regardless of the differences in the top housing material. This similarity means that even while the top housings vary significantly in sound output, the benefiting effects of nylon in the bottom will produce a consistent auditory foundation in both switches.
The blending of materials in different housings for the HMX Jelly and Dareu Violet Gold Pro illustrates how the combined attributes of nylon and polycarbonate can create finely tuned typing experiences. While the Jelly delivers a softer and warmer auditory result due to its all-nylon construction, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more dynamic sound profile arising from the contrasting properties of polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom. This configuration allows users to enjoy distinct auditory experiences based on the material used for each housing. With the bottom housing's nylon producing that familiar, rounded sound, it becomes evident how the design nuances shape our tactile and auditory interactions with the products. Thus, users can choose based on their preference for sound clarity versus sound depth, knowing that both switches will provide enjoyable typing experiences overall.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during extended use. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's actuation force is slightly heavier at 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown, making it difficult to ascertain how it compares in that regard. Overall, while the HMX Jelly switch is the lighter option, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those who prefer a firmer keystroke, though further details on its bottom out force would be necessary for a comprehensive comparison.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, indicating that they provide a similar feel when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press depth and responsiveness when using either switch. Since they both have the same measurement, neither switch is shorter or longer, allowing for an interchangeable experience for those who might prefer one type over the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature. This richness in auditory feedback can be quite satisfying, offering a muted acoustics that feels substantial when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate level of noise. This neutrality positions it as a versatile choice for various environments, allowing it to blend seamlessly whether at home or in an office setting. The Jelly's unique thock evokes a more distinctive auditory experience, while the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who prefer a less pronounced sound.
Regarding feel, the HMX Jelly switch provides a super smooth typing experience due to its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This makes it an ideal choice for those who favor a seamless keystroke without tactile interruptions. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is classified as a stepped tactile switch, offering a medium level of tactility. This means that it delivers a subtle feedback at two stages of the keypress, providing a balanced and pleasant tactile sensation without overwhelming the user. While the Jelly leans towards a linear experience, making it smoother and lighter, the Violet Gold Pro appeals to someone who enjoys the nuances of a slightly tactile feel.
In summary, while the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have distinct sound and feel characteristics, both offer fulfilling typing experiences in their own right. If you prefer a thocky sound and a smooth keystroke, the Jelly might be your go-to, whereas if you lean toward a neutral acoustic profile with gentle tactile feedback, the Violet Gold Pro could be a better fit. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on which qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth typing experience with a low actuation force and a satisfying deep sound signature, the HMX Jelly switch is an excellent option. It's particularly well-suited for gaming or extended typing sessions where a lightweight switch can reduce finger fatigue, and its thocky sound can add an enjoyable acoustic element to your setup. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced, versatile typing feel with moderate tactility that caters well to both casual and professional environments, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is likely the better choice. Its neutral sound profile and stepped tactile feedback provide a satisfying mix that can keep you engaged while typing without being overly disruptive in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider what aspects are more critical for your experience—whether it's the smooth and lightweight characteristic of the Jelly or the tactile feedback and balanced nature of the Violet Gold Pro—to make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard journey.
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