Cherry MX Red vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red 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 Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct typing experiences. The MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch offering a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a balanced option for those seeking a tactile typing experience. While the MX Red excels in its 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched' characteristics, the Violet Gold Pro stands out with its 'Stepped' and 'Neutral' attributes. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual typing style and preferences. 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
45g
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one key difference is in the top housing material. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the relatively stiffer plastic material. Additionally, the polycarbonate material of the Violet Gold Pro allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic element that the MX Red's nylon top housing does not offer.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material of both switches is nylon, leading to a similar deep and full sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, both the MX Red and the Violet Gold Pro benefit from this quality in their bottom housing. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While the top housing material may vary between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the split between the bottom and top housing materials in a switch like the Dareu Violet Gold Pro can impact the overall sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, the choice between a nylon bottom housing in both switches and differing top housing materials in the MX Red and Violet Gold Pro can result in distinct typing experiences for users based on their preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light switches in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, so it's difficult to compare them in that aspect. Generally, a lighter actuation force is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth keystroke with the MX Red being linear and the Violet Gold Pro being tactile, catering to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. This slight difference may not seem significant, but for users who are sensitive to tactile feedback and prefer a shorter travel distance, the Violet Gold Pro may offer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In comparison, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. While the MX Red may appeal to those who enjoy a richer and deeper typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more subtle and balanced sound that won't be too disruptive in quiet environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is described as textured, offering a tactile feedback that some users may find appealing for its friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is labeled as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feel that is less pronounced compared to hyper-tactile switches. This difference in feel means that the MX Red may suit users who prefer a more noticeable tactile response, while the Violet Gold Pro is better suited for those seeking a gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Red provides a deeper and more textured typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound profile and a more subtle tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with differences in auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a richer sound and textured feel (MX Red) or a balanced sound and stepped tactile sensation (Violet Gold Pro).
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro could provide a balanced typing experience. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a linear typing experience with the MX Red or a tactile typing experience with the Violet Gold Pro.
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