Dareu Master vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers a unique typing experience catered to different preferences. The Master switch is praised for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, making it a desirable choice for those who enjoy a linear feel while typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to users looking for a balanced typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct sound profiles due to their differences in composition. The Master's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Violet Gold Pro results in a higher-pitched sound compared to the POM housing of the Master. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dareu Master's POM bottom housing and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing also contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Master offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro creates a fuller and rounder sound. The difference in the composition of the bottom housing materials affects the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Master and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro results in unique sound profiles for each switch. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings influence the sound when pressing down on the keys and releasing them. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound with the POM housing of the Master, or a sharper and crisper sound with the polycarbonate housing of the Violet Gold Pro, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Both the Dareu Master linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the information is unavailable for both switches. This means that it is unclear how much force is needed to fully press down the key with either switch. In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of 45 grams may make typing for longer periods more comfortable with both switches. However, for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, they may opt for switches with a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, without knowing the exact bottom out force of either switch, it is difficult to determine which one is the lighter or heavier option.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have differing travel distances, with the Master having a shorter distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The shorter travel distance of the Master switch may appeal to those looking for greater responsiveness, while the longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro switch could provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer deeper key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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, the Dareu Master linear switch is praised for its clacky sound signature, which provides a sharp and snappy noise that is often described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and users. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is polished, leading to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that is more mild compared to other tactile switches. Again, individual preference will play a key role in determining which switch is the best fit for each user.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Master switch provides a clacky sound and a mild, polished typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactility. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with a smoother feel or a balanced sound with a subtle tactile feedback, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, trying out both switches and considering personal preferences will lead to the best decision for each individual user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a smooth and clacky typing experience with a linear switch, the Dareu Master would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile switch with a light touch and neutral sound, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.