Gateron Melodic vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, it's important to consider the unique features that set them apart. The Melodic is renowned for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery and invigorating clicky experience without sacrificing smoothness. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced tactile experience with a medium tactility and light touch, making it a "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a neutral typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, whether you prefer a crunchy clicky sound or a stepped tactile sensation. 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
60g
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
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 Melodic and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have similar top housings, the Melodic utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron Melodic and Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase the distinct characteristics of their respective housing materials. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a unique typing experience with each switch. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in the Melodic due to its nylon material, while the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key is more evident in the Violet Gold Pro with its polycarbonate top housing.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Melodic or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, you can expect similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared polycarbonate top housings. However, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics and feel. Those who prefer a sharper, crisper sound may lean towards the Melodic with its nylon bottom housing, while individuals looking for a fuller, deeper sound may find the Violet Gold Pro more appealing with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Melodic, but its bottom out force is not provided. The Melodic switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the Violet Gold Pro switch could be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, they both offer different experiences, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 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 Melodic. The difference may be subtle, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time and lighter touch, the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may be more appealing. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press and greater depth may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Melodic. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, with one being slightly shorter and the other slightly longer in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing users with a clean and sharp sound profile that is immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preference for keyboard sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a buttery and invigorating typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a stepped tactile feel with two distinct stages, allowing for a more subtle and mild tactile sensation compared to the Melodic switch. Again, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for the typing feel you prefer, whether you prioritize a smooth and uniform experience or a more nuanced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you prefer a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature with a stepped tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that will provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, then the Melodic switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the better option. Consider the bottom out force of each switch as well, with the Melodic featuring a 60-gram force and the Violet Gold Pro having an undefined force. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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