SP-Star Meteor White vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one must first decide between a linear and tactile typing experience. The Meteor White is a linear switch known for its gentle and subdued feel, making typing a smooth and soft experience with a light sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch, providing a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Meteor White caters to those who prefer a gentle and seamless typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro appeals to individuals seeking a bit of tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance. 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
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White's housing materials consist of nylon for both the top and bottom, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, and its translucency is ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the differences in material composition affect the overall typing experience for users.
However, despite the contrasting housing materials, the overall typing experience on the SP-Star Meteor White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may not differ significantly. Both switches feature a bottom housing made of nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in the bottom housing material means that the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound when typing on either switch may feel quite similar. While the top housing material does impact the sound when releasing a key, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housing offer a rounder and duller sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom provide a crisper and more resonant sound. Users who prioritize a deeper typing sound may prefer the Meteor White, while those looking for a sharper sound with potential for RGB lighting effects may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer quality and versatility for typing enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, giving it a medium-light feel, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force that is unknown. In terms of weight, the Meteor White is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. The Violet Gold Pro, with its heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Meteor White leaning towards a lighter feel and the Violet Gold Pro offering a potentially heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Meteor White being slightly longer, the difference may still be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro for faster response times. Those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Meteor White with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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 White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that is suitable for various typing purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. The Meteor White switch is noted for its thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, while the Violet Gold Pro switch has a more subdued sound signature. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with a polished finish. This results in a smoother and more refined typing feel, providing a gentle and approachable experience for most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is noted for its stepped feel, which means it has a two-stage tactile response. This results in a tactile feedback that is more subtle compared to switches with a single large bump throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch may have different tactile characteristics and sound profiles, they both offer a moderate typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a gentle and thocky sound like the Meteor White, or a tactile switch with a balanced typing experience like the Violet Gold Pro, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of overall typing performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is an excellent choice for those looking for a soft and gentle typing experience with a moderate actuation force. The subtle sound profile and easy push make it ideal for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with a gentle feel and sound (Meteor White) or a tactile switch with a balanced typing experience (Violet Gold Pro). Consider your typing preferences and environment to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
