HMX Lucky vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The HMX Lucky, known for its lightweight and glittery nylon housing, delivers a smooth and neutral typing experience that appeals to those who prefer linear switches, allowing for rapid keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a medium tactility, offering a pleasantly light touch with a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent "Goldilocks" option for users seeking a tactile response without overwhelming resistance. While the Lucky switch provides a seamless and satisfying flow ideal for gaming or fast typing, the Violet Gold Pro caters to individuals who enjoy a bit of feedback from their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials used in the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, notable differences emerge that affect their auditory profiles and overall characteristics. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality not only creates a mellow, rounded auditory experience but also contributes to a tactile sensation that many users enjoy. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material renowned for its rigidity and translucence. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a crisp and resonant typing experience. Essentially, while both switches aim to enhance user experience, the HMX Lucky leans towards a more muted and warm sound, whereas the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a clearer, more vibrant auditory feedback.
Both switches, however, share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This consistency in material allows the Dareu Violet Gold Pro to benefit from the deeper and fuller sound profile exhibited by the nylon's properties, similar to that of the HMX Lucky. With both models employing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a harmonious tactile feel and a consistent bottom-out sound quality when the key is fully pressed. The nylon's softer texture contributes to a dampened sound profile, making both switches share a common ground in this regard, regardless of the layering of materials in the top housing.
It is important to note how the interaction between the different housings of these switches ultimately affects the overall sound experience. The HMX Lucky's combination of a softer nylon top and bottom housing results in an immersive, warmer sound that can be deeply satisfying for those who prefer that tonal quality. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom, creates an interesting blend: the upper housing sharpens the auditory feedback while the nylon bottom retains the bolder, more resonant qualities. Consequently, while the two switches utilize different materials in their tops, the shared nylon bottom ensures that both models retain a level of acoustic consistency, allowing users admirable sound profiles that suit various typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, a clear distinction in actuation force arises. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro requires a heavier 45 grams to actuate, making the Lucky more suitable for those who prefer a less taxing typing experience, ideal for extended use in both work and gaming settings. Additionally, the Lucky's bottom out force is recorded at 43 grams, indicating the force needed to fully depress the key. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, which means a direct comparison cannot be made regarding how firmly it feels when bottomed out. Overall, the HMX Lucky offers a lighter touch for users who favor ease of typing, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, with its heavier actuation, caters to those who appreciate a more robust and substantial keystroke experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressed, both switches offer an identical distance from the top to the bottom during operation, providing users with similar tactile feedback and actuation experience. Consequently, users can expect comparable results in terms of key responsiveness and feel when using either switch, making them equally suitable choices for different types of keyboard setups.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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
The sound characteristics of the HMX Lucky linear switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is noted for its neutral sound signature, which strikes a balance that can appeal to both beginners and more experienced typists. The moderate sound profile of the Violet Gold Pro makes it versatile for both home and work environments. Since the sound a switch produces can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap material, users of either switch should keep these factors in mind for achieving their ideal sound experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is recognized for its lightweight design and softer nylon housings, providing a neutral and gratifying typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers medium tactility with a stepped feel, meaning it has noticeable stages during the keystroke that can create a satisfying typing sensation. This stepped feedback contrasts with the Lucky's linear smoothness, potentially appealing to different user preferences. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, they cater to varied types of users: the Lucky for those who favor a smoother keystroke and the Violet Gold Pro for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
In summary, the HMX Lucky linear switch promises a lightweight and satisfying typing experience with an unspecified sound profile, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a well-balanced and neutral sound along with medium tactility that adds a unique feeling to each keystroke. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth, linear response or enjoy the nuanced tactile sensation of a stepped switch. Both switches have their unique offerings, so selecting between them will hinge on your personal typing style and the environment in which you plan to use them.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch primarily hinges on your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Lucky switch is an excellent option. Its softer nylon housing and a bottom-out force of just 43 grams make it ideal for those who enjoy a faster, more fluid typing experience, perfect for gaming or long typing sessions where you favor speed over tactile feedback. Conversely, if you're seeking a more balanced typing experience with subtle feedback, the Violet Gold Pro may be your ideal choice. With its medium tactility and neutral sound profile, this switch ensures that you have a pleasant interaction without overly harsh or distracting sounds—making it suitable for both professional environments and casual use. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize the smoothness of a linear action or the satisfaction of tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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