TKC Kiwi vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and Dareu Violet Gold Pro are both tactile switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Kiwi is praised for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses users in their typing tasks. With a light factory lube, the Kiwi switch ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for those looking for a balanced typing experience. While both switches fall under the 'Stepped' category, the Kiwi is also described as 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', and 'Polished', whereas the Violet Gold Pro is simply 'Neutral'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both showcase different housing materials in their design, with the Kiwi featuring UHWMPE top and bottom housings while the Violet Gold Pro opts for polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches aim to provide a unique sound profile through their choice of materials, with the UHWMPE of the Kiwi offering a bright and resonant sound signature, while the polycarbonate of the Violet Gold Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The difference in stiffness between the two materials plays a crucial role in the overall sound output, with UHWMPE being softer and polycarbonate being stiffer, leading to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has the advantage of being clear, making it ideal for users who want to showcase RGB lighting effects on their mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the TKC Kiwi may not offer the same level of transparency but is known for its bright sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience for users seeking a distinct auditory feedback while typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro, known for its ability to absorb more sound and create a deeper sound profile, contrasts with the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi, offering users a different tactile and auditory experience depending on the switch they choose.
While the top and bottom housings of the TKC Kiwi and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro have different materials, they both contribute to the overall typing experience in their unique ways. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile in the case of the Violet Gold Pro, while UHWMPE offers a bright and resonant sound in the Kiwi. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate creating a sharper sound profile in the Violet Gold Pro compared to the UHWMPE of the Kiwi. Despite their differences, both switches offer users a distinct typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housing design.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier with 67 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Kiwi switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience while the Violet Gold Pro's typing experience is unknown. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Kiwi for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Kiwi for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within a reasonable range for a tactile switch, the Kiwi offers just a bit more depth for those who prefer a more traditional feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for speed or a slightly longer travel distance for a more robust keystroke experience. Both options offer quality tactile feedback, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 TKC Kiwi and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound that is suitable for various situations. However, the Kiwi is noted for its low-pitched sound, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having a stepped design, providing a tactile typing experience with two stages to the keystroke. The Kiwi switch is further characterized as accented and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering, as well as a smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro primarily focuses on the stepped feel without additional descriptors, indicating a mild and straightforward tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the TKC Kiwi and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches provide a tactile typing experience with their own unique characteristics. While the Kiwi offers a low-pitched sound and additional features like accented and polished feel, the Violet Gold Pro presents a more balanced option with a neutral sound and a straightforward stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can cater to your typing needs effectively, resulting in a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a balanced tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more pronounced bump and heavier keypresses or a lighter touch with a neutral sound profile. Consider your personal typing style and preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your typing experience.
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