Neo Lavender HE vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer intriguing yet distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it a favored choice for users who appreciate a quieter keyboard while enjoying the unique responsiveness that magnetic technology offers. This switch is also particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a versatile option. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is designed as a tactile switch that strikes a harmonious balance between a medium level of tactility and a light touch, delivering a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming noise. Its neutral sound signature positions it as a "Goldilocks" choice for those who desire a well-rounded tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Lavender HE appealing to minimalists seeking quiet precision, while the Violet Gold Pro suits those who enjoy the feedback of tactility without excessive resistance. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, notable differences arise between their top housings. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's innate softness, enabling it to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate promotes a clearer resonance, allowing for a more pronounced acoustic output. For users prioritizing sound depth, the Lavender HE’s nylon may be the preferred option; however, those looking for clarity and brightness might favor the Violet Gold Pro’s polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a different narrative, as both the Lavender HE and the Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon for this component. The inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of sound, irrespective of the variation found in the top housing. Since both switches share the same bottom material, users will experience similar tonal characteristics when bottoming out the key. This commonality allows for a cohesive sound experience across both models, even with contrasting top materials. Thus, while the top housings contribute to the unique sound profiles of each switch, the nylon bottom balances this difference, fostering a consistent auditory output.
Ultimately, the overall user experience of these switches hinges on the interplay of their respective materials. Given that the Lavender HE employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users will enjoy a consistent sound profile that is rich and full. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro’s mixed materials will create a divergence in sound between the keypress and release due to its polycarbonate top housing. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a familiar bottom-out feel. Thus, while the switches leverage their differing top materials to create unique soundscapes, the similarities in their bottom housings can promote a sense of continuity in tactile feedback.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users seeking a comfortable typing experience during extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Additionally, the Lavender HE has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a clear feedback upon bottoming out. However, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro does not have an available bottom out force specification, which leaves that aspect unknown. Consequently, users may prefer the lighter Neo Lavender HE for its ease of use or opt for the heavier Dareu Violet Gold Pro for its distinct tactile feedback and more substantial push feel when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom of the switch. Therefore, they will yield similar tactile feedback and key feel during use, making either switch a good choice for those who prefer a consistent travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
The sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by its clean and low sound, providing a quieter typing experience compared to many traditional mechanical switches. This quality makes it particularly suitable for environments where minimal noise is appreciated, such as in office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, which is moderate in terms of volume. Its design allows for a decent flexibility that appeals to both beginners and seasoned users, making it effective whether you're working from home or in a busy office. Both sound profiles should harmonize well with various keyboard builds, but the Lavender HE’s lower, cleaner sound may stand out in quieter applications.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE’s tactile feedback remains unspecified; however, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is defined as having medium tactility with a stepped action. This characteristic means that users will experience a mild tactile bump at certain points in the keystroke, providing a clear yet subtle indication of actuation without feeling overly intrusive. The stepped switch design allows for a more nuanced keystroke experience, distinguishing it from switches that offer a more pronounced tactile action. While the exact feel of the Lavender HE isn’t detailed, users can expect a smoother typing experience that may cater to those who favor a linear action.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE switch is ideal for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience with a clean sound, though its tactile feel remains unknown. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a balanced choice with its neutral sound and moderate tactile feedback that appeals to a wide range of users. Both switches serve different preferences and environments, and a careful consideration of sound and tactile feel can help newcomers make an informed decision tailored to their typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use the keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch and a unique typing experience characterized by a clean, low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE would be an excellent choice, especially if you’re using Wooting keyboards or you’re interested in exploring the benefits of magnetic switches. This switch is ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for a quick actuation without the additional noise that some mechanical switches bring. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more traditional tactile feedback with a slightly more pronounced feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactile experience, perfect for those seeking a balanced and versatile switch that works well in both home and office environments. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for quiet spaces, while its stepped tactile feedback allows for confident typing without being overly aggressive. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferred typing style, comfort level, and the contexts in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
