Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The Keygeek Raw is a linear switch that stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch known for its medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, making it the "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Keygeek Raw offers a slightly textured feel and is a great starting point for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Violet Gold Pro provides a smooth yet tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
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 Keygeek Raw utilizes a unique Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, providing a distinct sound profile that differs from the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend offers a softer, potentially more rounded sound compared to the sharper, crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing sets it apart from the Nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro, potentially impacting the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch.
While the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing may offer a softer and potentially more rounded sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's unique blend of UMPE & Si for its bottom housing may impact the typing experience by providing a different sound profile compared to switches with Nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Violet Gold Pro ultimately affects the sound and feel of typing on the switches. While the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top and UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offer a potentially unique sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top and Nylon bottom housing provide a sharper, crisper sound experience. The differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering the impact of each component on the overall typing experience when choosing between these two keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw switch has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is considered medium, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch has an actuation force of 45 grams but an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Violet Gold Pro switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Keygeek Raw switch, although the Keygeek Raw switch has a specified bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm distance may provide a quicker response time for gamers who prefer a shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance may offer a more substantial keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance in relation to typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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, both the Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various settings and typing preferences. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when looking at sound qualities.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw provides a textured and mild typing experience with a subtle resistance, making it a comfortable and approachable option for most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a stepped tactile feel, offering a unique two-stage typing sensation with a light touch. While the Keygeek Raw focuses on a lighter and smoother experience, the Violet Gold Pro introduces a more defined tactile feedback for users who prefer a bit more feedback during typing.
Overall, both the Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present solid options with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a creamy and lightweight switch with a textured feel, the Keygeek Raw is a great choice. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a medium tactile switch with a stepped actuation and light touch, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel that is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches, then the Keygeek Raw may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a fairly light touch, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option for you. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and can be suitable for a variety of settings, so consider your typing style and preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what feels best for you during your typing experience.
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