KTT Mallo vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the tactile switch category, offering a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. The Mallo is known for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch, positioning it as an ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While both switches boast a neutral sound signature and provide a comfortable typing experience, the Mallo leans towards subtlety and finesse, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly more pronounced tactility. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Overall, both the KTT Mallo and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which lead to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches if RGB lighting is a consideration. In terms of aesthetic appeal and sound quality, both switches benefit from the polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Mallo utilizes nylon, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also employs nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound quality that differs from the sharper sound of polycarbonate. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the specific qualities of this material will influence the overall typing experience for each switch.
In essence, the difference in bottom housing material between the KTT Mallo and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro will impact the typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharp and crisp sound profile, the use of nylon for the bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound in contrast to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are different in terms of weight. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Mallo is not specified, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. The Mallo is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches offer differences in weight that may appeal to different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo. Both switches fall within the average range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Mallo being slightly on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being slightly shorter. The Mallo may provide a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys, while the Violet Gold Pro may offer a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for deeper key presses, the Mallo may be the better option. However, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance may be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, both the KTT Mallo and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most typing environments. The Mallo provides a more subdued sound when pressed, offering a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound without being overly loud, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience during typing sessions. Overall, whether you choose the Mallo or the Violet Gold Pro, you can expect a balanced sound output that won't disturb others around you.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also offers a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces where loud keystrokes may be disruptive. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile sensation with two stages in the keystroke. This type of switch offers a more mild typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, striking a balance between tactility and comfort. Whether you prefer the feathery feel of the Mallo or the stepped sensation of the Violet Gold Pro, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. While the Mallo excels in providing a subtle and feathery typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro offers a stepped feel with a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used. Whether you prefer a lighter touch or a more pronounced tactile feedback, both the Mallo and Violet Gold Pro switches provide a balanced and satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the nuances in their design and characteristics. If you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a subtle tactility and a neutral sound signature, the KTT Mallo may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced tactile feedback with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound signature. Both switches offer quality performance, so it's a matter of choosing the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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