SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both stand out for their tactile characteristics. The Meteor Orange switches are known for their exquisitely gentle and soft tactility, combined with a neutral sound profile, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch, providing a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Meteor Orange leaning towards a softer touch and the Violet Gold Pro offering a "Goldilocks" middle ground. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This results in a different typing experience for users, with the Meteor Orange offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Violet Gold Pro's clearer and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and Violet Gold Pro switches utilize nylon material, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a similar sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. However, when it comes to the top housing, the difference between nylon and polycarbonate becomes apparent, with the Meteor Orange providing a softer sound upon key release compared to the crisper sound of the Violet Gold Pro.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. The nylon and polycarbonate housing materials offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile or a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, both switches provide a quality typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each key press.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while its actuation force is None grams. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro for longer typing periods, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Meteor Orange for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4.0mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The 0.2mm may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in how the key feels when pressed. For those who prefer a deeper key press, the Meteor Orange may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so it's important to consider your preferences before making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a similar neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, the Meteor Orange switches are known for their thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying experience when typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches do not have this specific sound characteristic mentioned. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are praised for their mild tactility, providing a gentle typing experience that most users find approachable and comfortable. Additionally, these switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. In comparison, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are categorized as stepped, meaning they offer a tactile experience with two distinct stages during the key press. This can result in a more controlled typing sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel feedback.
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the sound profile may be similar between the two switches, the Meteor Orange switches provide a more pronounced thocky sound, which some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a balance between tactility and smoothness, making them a versatile option for those seeking a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel that each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force and a medium tactility with a fairly light touch, along with a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, and typing experience.
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