Cherry MX Orange vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in enhancing your typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange switch, a linear option, is revered for its smooth keypresses devoid of tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for gamers who appreciate swift, uninterrupted action. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a tactile experience with a medium level of tactility and neutral sound, ideal for typists seeking a balanced keyboard feel without the harshness of more pronounced tactile switches. The MX Orange excels in speed and fluidity, catering to those who prioritize performance in fast-paced environments, while the Violet Gold Pro strikes a harmonious balance, appealing to users looking for a comfortable yet responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches possess unique attributes suited to different user 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a noticeable distinction arises from the materials used in their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic property. This quality allows the switches to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, lending it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance, ideal for those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfying sound profiles, the Cherry MX Orange tends to create a more subdued sound, whereas the Violet Gold Pro will produce a more vibrant and resonant tone.
Regarding the bottom housings, both switches are made from nylon, thus they share a key similarity in sound profile characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a pronounced depth and fullness in sound, reinforcing the deeper auditory feedback experienced when bottoming out the keys. As nylon serves as a classic housing material due to its softer composition, it is adept at absorbing vibrations, allowing for that signature dull and round sound quality. While the Violet Gold Pro's top housing delivers a sharper sound, the fact that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing ensures that the overall auditory experience remains rich and balanced when keys are fully pressed.
In essence, the different materials of the top housings in these two switches create distinctive auditory experiences, while the nylon bottom housings unify them in terms of sound depth. When typing, the Cherry MX Orange will feel more cohesive with its softer nylon top, emphasizing a deeper response, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top will highlight elevated clarity and resonance. Ultimately, these variations allow gamers and typists alike to choose between a softer or sharper sound profile, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing assures a deeper sound experience when the keys are fully depressed on both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference in actuation force. The MX Orange requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, while the Violet Gold Pro only requires 45 grams, making the latter the lighter of the two. This lighter actuation force may benefit those who prefer less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches, however, lack specific information on their bottom out forces, making it difficult to evaluate that aspect for each switch. In general, the MX Orange offers a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if the bottom out forces were known to be the same, users could expect a similar typing feel when bottoming out, though the actuation experience would still differ due to the weight discrepancies.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the MX Orange the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, which can appeal to users who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced keypress. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to those who might prefer a quicker response time, characteristic of shorter travel distances often favored by gamers. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it highlights the trade-off between depth and responsiveness; users seeking a more tactile experience might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange, while those valuing rapid key activation may opt for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Orange switch is not explicitly detailed, but it is important to note that sound characteristics can be influenced by several factors, including the keyboard's construction and keycap materials. Typically, Cherry MX switches tend to have a moderate sound level which can be pleasant for both typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is characterized by a neutral sound signature. This neutrality allows it to coexist comfortably in various environments, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike, whether they're in a quiet home office or a bustling co-working space. The moderate actuation force and sound profile of the Violet Gold Pro can provide a more balanced auditory experience, ideal for users seeking versatility in sound.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches are known for their smooth linear action. However, specific descriptions of the MX Orange’s feel aren't available, leaving some ambiguity. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch features a medium level of tactility, which allows for a noticeable but not overwhelming bump at the actuation point. This stepped feel creates a unique typing experience that balances tactile feedback and smoothness, making it pleasant for both typing and gaming. Users will find that the Violet Gold Pro provides a clear indication of actuation without being overly pronounced, thereby appealing to those who prefer a less aggressive tactile response compared to more hypertactile options.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different types of users. While the MX Orange provides a linear experience that may feel smoother overall, the Violet Gold Pro shines with its balanced tactile feedback and neutral auditory profile. If you prioritize a smooth and linear feel, the MX Orange may be more suited to you, while the Violet Gold Pro could be perfect if you prefer a gentle tactile sensation with a versatile sound. Ultimately, both switches are designed to cater to a broad audience, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the contexts in which you plan to use them. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke with a consistent feel, the MX Orange is an excellent choice, particularly for gamers seeking quick and uninterrupted key presses or writers who prefer a fluid typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more tactile sensation without being overly pronounced, the Violet Gold Pro is ideal. Its subtle steps offer just the right amount of feedback, making it a great option for typing and office work, where you may want to balance comfort with a satisfying tactile response. Therefore, consider your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard; each switch caters to different needs in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
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