KTT Laurel vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it's apparent that both switches have their own unique qualities and advantages. The Laurel offers a smooth linear experience with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a balanced mix of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro boasts a medium level of tactility coupled with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making it a "Goldilocks" option for those looking for a well-rounded typing experience. While the Laurel is praised for its low-pitched and snappy feel, the Violet Gold Pro stands out with its stepped and neutral characteristics. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper, muted sound profile, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a fuller, rounder profile. The POM material in the Laurel provides a unique sound experience that may appeal to those looking for a more subtle typing experience, while the polycarbonate and nylon combination in the Violet Gold Pro offers a crisper, more resonant sound that emphasizes key presses. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro allows for RGB lighting customization, adding a visual element to the typing experience that the Laurel does not have.
In terms of material characteristics, both the POM and polycarbonate housings provide unique sound profiles but in different ways. The POM top housing in the Laurel creates a more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper, crisper sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing in the Laurel offers a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Violet Gold Pro elicits a fuller, rounder sound. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on the housing materials used, with the Laurel providing a more subdued sound and the Violet Gold Pro delivering a more dynamic sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. The Laurel's POM housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharper, more resonant sound profile. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the material used in their housing, with the top housing impacting the sound when keys are released and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, users can choose between the deeper, muted sound of the Laurel or the sharper, crisper sound of the Violet Gold Pro based on their own preferences and typing needs.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Despite this, the Laurel switch has a slightly lighter actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel switch requires 50 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Laurel switch has a more defined bottom out force, providing a consistent typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force may lean towards the Laurel switch, while those who prioritize a defined bottom out force may find the Laurel switch more appealing.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Laurel. With a difference of only 0.3 mm, the two switches offer similar travel distances overall. 4.0 mm is considered as the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Laurel potentially more appealing to them. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the travel distance that provides the most comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This is likely due to its longer pole design and full POM housing, which contribute to its quick actuation and feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is characterized as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback sensation. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during each keystroke, offering a more nuanced typing experience compared to a linear switch.
Overall, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, making it suitable for users looking for a responsive and comfortable switch. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel, making it a versatile option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a moderate tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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