Keygeek Keylin vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin 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 switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Keylin, a linear switch renowned for its premium typing experience, boasts rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. This is particularly appealing for gamers and typists who thrive on speed and consistency without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a medium level of tactility with a fairly light touch, featuring a neutral sound signature that positions it as the ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option. This makes the Violet Gold Pro suitable for users looking for a balanced typing experience that still offers some feedback without being overly harsh. Each switch has its unique advantages—whether you prefer the seamless feel of the Keylin or the gentle tactile feedback of the Violet Gold Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present an intriguing contrast, particularly in their top housing components. The Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, a choice that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a rounder and muted auditory experience. In comparison, the Violet Gold Pro opts for polycarbonate, renowned for its stiffer nature, which fosters a sharper and more resonant sound. The clear translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, allowing light to scatter beautifully through the switch.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the situation becomes more uniform, as both models feature nylon materials. This choice yields a similar auditory experience for each, as nylon's inherent properties induce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback remain consistent across both switches due to their shared housing material. Despite the differences in their top housings, users can expect a comparable acoustical outcome when bottoming out, as nylon's sound dampening effects are evident in both cases.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Keylin and Violet Gold Pro illustrate how each component influences the overall sound profile of a switch. With nylon in the bottom housing of both, users will enjoy a rich and warm auditory character that defines both models. However, the contrasting top housings introduce unique sound experiences: the Keylin provides a mellower tone, while the Violet Gold Pro delivers a crisper and more vibrant sound. Together, these materials shape the multifaceted experience of typing on mechanical switches, demonstrating how distinct and overlapping qualities contribute to their respective performances.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces. The Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it a better choice for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to press the keys. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may give users a more substantial typing experience but could lead to fatigue during prolonged use. While the Keylin switch's bottom out force is measured at 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown, which complicates direct comparisons in that respect. Given that the Keylin provides a lighter overall force for both actuation and bottoming out, users seeking a more effortless typing experience will likely prefer it over the heavier Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Keylin switch provides a shorter overall travel, making it potentially more responsive and suitable for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses, providing a heartier tactile experience. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Keylin switch would be the preferable choice, while those seeking a more traditional and robust feel might lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Additionally, with the conventional travel distance being around 4.0 mm, both switches offer alternatives that cater to modern preferences for shorter travel, yet they distinctly serve different user preferences based on their travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
When discussing the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it is noted for its rich acoustics, which contribute to a more engaging auditory experience during typing. This can provide a satisfying feedback loop for users who appreciate the sound of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch possesses a neutral sound signature. This makes it versatile and appropriate for varied environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the Keylin may stand out with more pronounced sound characteristics, the Violet Gold Pro offers a calming auditory experience that does not dominate the soundscape.
The feel of the Keylin switch is characterized by exceptional smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience without the roughness that can sometimes accompany lower-quality switches. This high level of smoothness can be particularly appealing to typists who favor a gliding sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a stepped response. This means users can expect a mild tactile feedback that signifies actuation, providing a clear yet not overly aggressive typing sensation. The stepped nature allows for a nuanced feel, distinguishing this switch from more pronounced tactile designs while remaining comfortable for long typing sessions.
In summary, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers a premium typing experience with rich acoustics and superb smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound and fluidity. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch presents a balanced option with a neutral sound profile and gentle tactile feedback, suitable for a variety of scenarios. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you're looking for a more pronounced auditory experience and smoothness, or a versatile tactile sensation that balances feedback with a subdued sound. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that a satisfying typing experience can be achieved with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Keygeek Keylin linear switches and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth and light touch experience, the Keylin switches are a fantastic choice, delivering an exceptionally premium typing experience with their rich acoustics and notable smoothness. They are particularly well-suited for fast-paced typing and gaming due to their low actuation force of 48 grams, making them ideal if you prefer a quieter, uninterrupted sound while typing. On the other hand, if you desire a more balanced and tactile feedback without being overly harsh, the Violet Gold Pro switches are an excellent option. Their medium tactility offers a gentle bump while typing, which can help in maximizing typing accuracy, and their neutral sound signature makes them versatile for both work and gaming environments. Moreover, the stepped tactile feedback could be beneficial for those who appreciate a clear distinction between actuation points without being overwhelmed by tactile response. In the end, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or tactile response and feedback in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
