Kailh BCP vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as two compelling options, each offering unique attributes tailored to different preferences. The Kailh BCP, celebrated for its recreation of the beloved Black Cherry Pie design, provides a linear switch experience characterized by a creamy, viscous feel that translates into a lively tactile experience. With a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, these switches are ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a bouncy typing sensation. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile bump, requiring a fairly light touch, and is designed with a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for those who prefer a balanced and less intrusive typing experience. The tactile feedback and quieter operation of the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to users in shared environments or those who prioritize a more subdued sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This stems from nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound, creating a duller and more rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate amplifies vibrations, leading to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Thus, users seeking a warm and subdued typing sound might prefer the Kailh BCP, whereas those who enjoy a bright and articulate sound will likely gravitate toward the Violet Gold Pro.
On the other hand, both the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both made of nylon. This uniformity in material means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom housings will offer a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience during a key press. Whether typing on the Kailh BCP or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, the tactile feedback remains consistent due to this shared nylon composition, fostering familiarity in usage.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the differences are also evident. The polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an attractive choice for users who prioritize visual customization in their keyboards. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Kailh BCP lacks this translucency, resulting in a more muted visual effect. Therefore, while the nylon bottom housings of both switches afford a similar acoustic experience, the unique qualities of their top housings yield distinct sound profiles and visual characteristics that will cater to different user preferences. This interplay of housing materials showcases how material properties can shape both the auditory and aesthetic attributes of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy, promoting a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unavailable, making it difficult to fully evaluate its performance in that regard. The BCP's bottom out force is 63.5 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer bottoming out experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro, though the absence of that specific data means we can't compare this aspect directly. Overall, the Kailh BCP will provide a heavier feel during both actuation and bottoming out, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter touch, catering to different user preferences in typing or gaming scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find distinct differences that cater to different user preferences. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, categorizing it as the longer switch. This difference in travel distance can impact the user's typing experience significantly; those favoring quick, responsive actions—particularly gamers—might prefer the Kailh BCP for its shorter travel of 3.5 mm, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced feedback might opt for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, which offers a fuller feel with its longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In essence, the choice between these two switches could boil down to whether one values rapid response times or a more substantial key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 Kailh BCP linear switch produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an energetic option for typists who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, which is more subdued and less aggressive than the BCP. This means the Violet Gold Pro can be a better choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment, suitable for both home and office settings.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, offering a dynamic typing experience that feels responsive and lively. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro leans towards a medium tactility with a light touch, providing a stepped tactile experience that allows users to feel distinct points of actuation without overwhelming feedback. This means that while the BCP excels in providing a lively and engaging typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro offers a subtler, more controlled feel that may appeal to typists who prefer a balanced approach.
In summary, the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its vibrant sound profile and energetic feel, making it ideal for those who seek an expressive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more muted sound and a gentle tactile feedback, catering to users looking for moderation and balance in their typing. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches could potentially satisfy your needs, with the BCP standing out for its character and the Violet Gold Pro excelling in versatility.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a bouncier typing experience with noticeable acoustic feedback, the Kailh BCP switch is an excellent choice, particularly if you favor a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams that provides a solid, confident feel when typing. This switch is great for those who revel in a poppy, clacky sound profile, which can enhance the enjoyment of typing, especially in a more casual or gaming setting. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced and versatile typing experience that feels approachable regardless of your skill level, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is ideal. Its medium tactility and neutral sound signature make it suitable for a variety of environments, from busy offices to home use. Additionally, the light touch required for actuation can reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the typing experience you seek, whether it's the dynamic and engaging feel of the BCP or the comfortable and understated performance of the Violet Gold Pro.
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