Gateron Mini i vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mini i and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is known for its gentle tactility and fairly muted sound profile, making it a great choice for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience for users who prefer a Goldilocks switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one key difference lies in their top housing material. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic nature. This variation in top housing material results in distinct sound characteristics between the two switches, appealing to different preferences among users.
On the other hand, both the Mini i and the Violet Gold Pro share a nylon bottom housing material. This commonality results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on switches of either keyboard. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing of these two keyboards ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the Mini i and the Violet Gold Pro each offer unique sound profiles due to their top housing differences, the similarity in their bottom housing material ensures a shared characteristic in sound and feel. Whether one prefers the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both keyboards provide options for users seeking distinct typing experiences based on their housing material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter option. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, making it difficult to determine which switch requires more force to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Mini i would be a suitable choice. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, as it offers a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the preference for actuation and bottom out forces depends on the individual's typing style and comfort level.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Mini i may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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, both the Gateron Mini i and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and purposes. This means that regardless of the switch you choose, you can expect a moderate sound that is not too loud or too quiet, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without disturbing those around you.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for their bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped characteristics, offering a lively yet gentle typing experience that is responsive and comfortable. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are specifically described as having a stepped feel, indicating a mild tactile response with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations during typing. Both switches provide a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Overall, while both the Gateron Mini i and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they ultimately provide a similar typing experience. Whether you choose the Mini i for its gentle tactility and lightweight design, or the Violet Gold Pro for its balanced tactile feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that caters to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, suitable for office environments and long typing sessions, the Gateron Mini i would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a balanced typing experience, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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