HMX KD200 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options that exemplify different switch characteristics are the HMX KD200 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The HMX KD200 is celebrated for its distinctive clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing. As a linear switch, it provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, which can enhance the speed and flow of typing for gamers or fast typists. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a relatively light touch, creating a balanced typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a tactile feel without overwhelming noise—it's often deemed the "Goldilocks" option for its neutrality. Both switches serve different needs: the KD200 for those who revel in auditory feedback and the Violet Gold Pro for users who prefer a more subdued and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX KD200 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to varying sound profiles and characteristics during usage. The KD200's top housing is made of nylon, a material well-regarded for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a sound that is duller yet rounder. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows sound to resonate more clearly, creating a pronounced auditory experience. As a result, users can expect a different tonal quality from each keyboard, influenced heavily by the material used in their top housing.
When examining the bottom housings of both keyboards, it is interesting to note that both the KD200 and the Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon for this component. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both keyboards will produce the same depth and fullness associated with nylon. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound similarly in both models, providing a consistent foundation that enhances the overall tactile and auditory experience. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users will find that both switches generate a comparable sensation when fully actuated.
In essence, while the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro vary in their top sections, they share similarities in their bottom housings. The contrast between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing creates different sound profiles, yet the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing serves to unify their performance in terms of tactile feedback. Thus, if users enjoy a deeper bottom-out sound, they may appreciate how both models deliver that quality, regardless of the distinct auditory characteristics produced by their specific top housing materials.
Weight
The HMX KD200 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them both feel relatively light when typing or gaming. This similar actuation force suggests that users can expect a comparable responsiveness in both switches, allowing for comfortable typing over extended periods. However, the KD200's bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more effort to fully depress the key compared to its actuation. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it feels when pressed all the way down. Without this information, it's difficult to fully compare their bottoming out experiences. Overall, for those preferring a lighter touch for extended use, the KD200 is the more definitive choice, while the lack of bottom out information for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro leaves its heavier or lighter feel ambiguous.
Travel distance
The HMX KD200 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which features a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in distance means that users of the KD200 may experience faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers looking for quick performance. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and tactile sensation, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you opt for the KD200, you will likely feel a more immediate response, while the Violet Gold Pro is suited for users who favor a more pronounced feedback and depth in their key switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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
The HMX KD200 linear switch is known for its notably clackier sound, making it the loudest member of the HMX Film switch family. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch produces a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate volume that's appropriate for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This difference in sound dynamics makes the KD200 more suitable for users who enjoy an expressive and audible typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who prefer a quieter and less intrusive option, thus offering a more versatile auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KD200 exhibits characteristics typical of linear switches, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile feedback, which allows for rapid typing without any bumps. The Violet Gold Pro, however, features a medium level of tactility that can be described as "stepped." This tactile response gives users a distinct sensation at the actuation point but is less pronounced than hypertactile switches, allowing for a more controlled typing experience with clear feedback on each key press. Therefore, the KD200 is ideal for typists who prefer a seamless feel, whereas the Violet Gold Pro caters to individuals who appreciate a touch of feedback in their keystrokes.
In summary, the HMX KD200 linear switch is a better choice for those who prioritize sound, delivering a loud and clacky experience, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a balanced, neutral sound that is less disruptive. The KD200 provides a fluid typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro introduces a mild bump for tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, these switches cater to different typing styles, allowing users to choose what suits them best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're a fan of a light touch and enjoy a clackier sound profile, the KD200, with its bottom-out force of 50 grams, delivers an engaging acoustic experience that can enhance your typing sessions, making it particularly appealing for those who love the rhythmic feedback of linear switches. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced experience with a moderately tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro would be your best bet. Its stepped design offers a pleasant tactile sensation without overwhelming aggression, making it suitable for both everyday use at work and home. With its neutral sound signature, this switch provides a versatile option that caters to beginners and seasoned typists alike, ensuring that you're neither distracted by excessive noise nor hindered by a heavy keystroke. Ultimately, the right switch for you depends on whether you prioritize sound and clackiness with the KD200 or a balanced tactile experience with the Violet Gold Pro.
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