Gateron Mountain Top vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it's evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mountain Top switch, known for its quiet yet subtly tactile typing experience, is perfect for office environments where discretion is key. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a medium tactility with a light touch, appealing to those who seek a balanced typing feel. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own strengths, making them suitable for specific needs. 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
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profiles. The Mountain Top's nylon top and bottom housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate material leads to a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing still maintains a deep and full sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing. However, the differences lie in the top housing material. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing provides a softer and more muffled sound upon key release, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a crisp and clear sound when a key is let go. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic advantage to the Violet Gold Pro switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Mountain Top switch offers a softer and rounder sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The Mountain Top switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Violet Gold Pro switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Mountain Top 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
In comparing the sound of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches exhibit a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and user preferences. The actuation force requirement is moderate in both switches, catering to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized by a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel. These qualities provide a lively and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped feel, indicating a two-stage tactile feedback that is more subtle compared to hyper-tactile switches. This design offers a balance between tactility and smooth typing, appealing to users seeking a more subdued tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While both switches provide a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Mountain Top switch emphasizes a bouncy and responsive typing experience, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch focuses on a stepped tactile feedback for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a light and quiet typing experience for professional settings, the Mountain Top switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced tactile option with a medium level of tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the ideal fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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