Zuoce Lavender vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The Zuoce Lavender is a linear switch renowned for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, perfect for those who prefer an easy-to-press key with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch offering a medium tactility and a fairly light touch, making it a great choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see that the Lavender features a POM top and bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Lavender creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro contributes to a fuller and rounder sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Lavender. The different housing materials in the two switches lead to distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are designed to enhance the typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Lavender creates a pleasing sound that is deep and muted, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Lavender. While the two switches may have contrasting sound profiles due to their housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The POM top and bottom housing of the Lavender create a unique sound that is deep and muted, while the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro deliver a sharper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a softer or stiffer housing material for your switch, both options offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. In the end, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Lavender is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of force required. The Lavender provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender 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 Lavender has the shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Violet Gold Pro's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too loud or distracting. Depending on personal preference, the Lavender will appeal to those who enjoy a more crisp and bright sound, while the Violet Gold Pro will suit those looking for a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This attribute enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and making typing effortless and comfortable. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, meaning it offers a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This characteristic may appeal to users who prefer a more nuanced typing feel compared to a linear switch.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its smoothness and clacky sound, coupled with an easy-to-press feel that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a balanced tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style, but both switches offer quality performance that will satisfy most keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should choose the Lavender if you prioritize smoothness and a clacky sound profile in your typing experience. The Lavender's easy-to-press nature and medium-light bottom out force make it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, opt for the Violet Gold Pro if you prefer a balanced tactile feel with a fairly light touch and neutral sound. The stepped nature of the Violet Gold Pro adds a unique feel to each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tactile switch without an overwhelming tactile bump. Ultimately, your preference should guide your decision between these two outstanding mechanical keyboard switches.
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