Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, known for its bright and clacky sound, is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Its hall effect design provides a superior typing experience and enhanced acoustics, making it perfect for users who prioritize sound feedback and a lively feel. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactile response with a relatively light touch, delivering a neutral sound signature that positions it as an ideal "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a balanced typing experience without excessive noise. While the Magnetic Jade is geared towards enthusiasts who appreciate clarity and auditory feedback, the Violet Gold Pro appeals to those who prefer a subtler, yet satisfying tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. As a material known for its stiffness, polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for enthusiasts seeking clarity in their keystrokes. Both switches also feature translucent top housings, which not only enhance the aesthetic potential of RGB lighting but also augment the overall sound resonance. Since polycarbonate is a common choice for switches that prioritize sound clarity and visual appeal, users can expect similarly striking auditory experiences from both models when it comes to the sounds produced by the top housing during key release.
In contrast to the top housings, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, which brings a different auditory quality into the equation. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that when typing on either switch, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound experience by adding a duller and rounder tone. The compatibility of nylon's characteristics in both the Magnetic Jade and the Violet Gold Pro allows users to enjoy a consistent lower register sound, enhancing the tactile experience and auditory feedback they receive as they type.
Overall, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the interplay of these materials leads to a balanced sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing provides crispness and clarity, enhancing the higher frequencies of sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing resonates with a deeper sound upon keypress. Consequently, even though the two switches differ slightly in their sound signatures, the similarities in housing materials ensure that users will enjoy a rich and dynamic typing experience across both models, with each bringing its unique characteristics to the forefront.
Weight
The comparison between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch reveals distinct differences in their actuation forces, as well as a notable absence of bottom out force data for the Violet Gold Pro. The Gateron Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it allows for less fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience and tactile feedback. Regarding bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade's bottom out force is 55 grams, providing a definitive feedback feel when the key is fully pressed, while the absence of bottom out force information for the Dareu switch leaves uncertainty in that regard. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort and less tiring usage, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the better choice, whereas those seeking a firmer and more pronounced typing feel may gravitate towards the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Magnetic Jade switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster response times favored by gamers. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal more to those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial typing experience, as its travel allows for a fuller keystroke. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Magnetic Jade providing a quicker response and the Violet Gold Pro delivering a more tactile and profound feedback.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches produce a bright and clacky noise that adds an engaging auditory element to typing, making them particularly appealing for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keyboard. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to elevate their typing experience, especially in a setting where the sound can be appreciated. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches deliver a neutral sound signature, which provides a more subdued auditory experience while still being versatile enough for various environments, such as home or office. This more balanced sound profile allows for quieter typing sessions without sacrificing responsiveness, making it suitable for users who need a less intrusive sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches offer a unique tactile sensation that enhances the typing experience but is less explicitly defined here. The sense of feedback from these switches can significantly contribute to the feeling of confidence in each keystroke, potentially translating to a more pleasurable typing rhythm. On the flip side, the Violet Gold Pro switches are characterized as having medium tactility, making them ideal for users who appreciate a stepped feel. This design creates two distinct stages in the keystroke, allowing typists to experience both pre-travel and post-travel feedback, which can lead to a more intuitive typing rhythm while offering comfort during prolonged use.
In summary, while both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences, they each excel in their domains. The Magnetic Jade provides a lively and pronounced auditory experience, pairing with an engaging tactile feedback, which is great for those who appreciate a more dynamic typing environment. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro stands out with its neutral sound and stepped tactile feel, making it a fantastic option for users seeking a well-rounded, versatile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on individual preferences regarding sound and tactility, ensuring that typists can find a switch that aligns with their unique style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, your specific needs and preferences should guide your decision. If you are looking for a switch that produces a bright and clacky sound, enhances acoustics, and provides a medium-light tactile feedback, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who want an engaging and lively typing experience, especially if you use a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, where the switch's characteristics can truly shine. On the other hand, if you desire a more balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switches would be ideal. Their medium tactility and stepped design offer a mild but satisfying tactile response, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced typists who appreciate a versatile switch for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Thus, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize acoustic and tactile engagement or prefer a well-rounded and adaptable feel.
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