KTT Matcha vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique features worth considering. The KTT Matcha stands out for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them a balanced option for typists. While both switches excel in their own ways, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches share many similarities, as both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro opts for nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Violet Gold Pro, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics like polycarbonate.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Violet Gold Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon creates a different typing experience compared to the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing. The Matcha's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures a consistent sound profile throughout typing, emphasizing clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the mix of polycarbonate and nylon in the Violet Gold Pro allows for a balance of sharpness and depth in the sound profile, catering to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of typing feel, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall experience. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With nylon in the bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro, users can expect a more cushioned and muted typing experience compared to the sharper feel of polycarbonate found in the Matcha. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate contributing to a sharper sound profile when compared to nylon. Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct typing experiences catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Matcha is the lighter option. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a relatively light switch. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Matcha. The bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, which makes it difficult to determine how it compares to the Matcha in terms of weight. However, it can be assumed that since the actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro is slightly higher than the Matcha, the bottom out force may also be higher. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Matcha, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. While both switches fall into the category of traditional travel distances, with the Matcha being slightly on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro falling on the shorter side, the difference between the two is minimal. The 0.2 mm variance may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Matcha may be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to users seeking a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results with subtle variations in travel distance for users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of settings and preferences. Depending on the keyboard and keycap combination, users can expect either a lively and distinct bottom-out sound from the Matcha or a balanced and moderate sound from the Violet Gold Pro.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a combination of stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle qualities, providing a tactile experience that is responsive, comfortable, and not overwhelming. The Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch also features a stepped feel, offering a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a single, sharp bump. Both switches aim to strike a balance between providing tactile feedback without being too intense, catering to users who prefer a more moderate typing experience.
Overall, while the KTT Matcha and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches may have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a comfortable and balanced tactile typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction and performance from either switch option. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the KTT Matcha tactile switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium tactility, a light touch, and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro could be more suitable. Consider how you like your keyboard to sound and feel when making your decision, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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