Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch renowned for its rapid response and full height design, making it the go-to choice for gamers looking for lightning-fast keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch offering a medium level of tactility and a light touch, creating a balanced typing experience suitable for a variety of users. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing quick keystrokes for gaming, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a pleasant typing experience with its tactile feedback. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, while the MX Speed Silver also uses nylon for its top housing, the Violet Gold Pro incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing. This leads to a noticeable difference in sound profile, with the polycarbonate creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the deeper tone produced by nylon.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. This adds a visually appealing element to the switch that the Cherry MX Speed Silver, with its nylon top housing, may lack. Additionally, the stiffer properties of polycarbonate result in a more clear and resonant sound profile when typing on the Violet Gold Pro, in contrast to the softer and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing material greatly influences the overall typing experience and aesthetic appeal of each switch.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the distinction in top housing material highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. The split qualities of the bottom and top housing in each switch mean that the characteristics of the housing material will be felt differently when typing or releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro will depend on personal preference for sound profile, feel, and visual aesthetics, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro offering a sharper and more visually striking option compared to the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the MX Speed Silver easier to press. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it's hard to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. The lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Violet Gold Pro's heavier actuation force may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may provide a more satisfying and deeper keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by these switches may vary slightly, but overall, both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience.
In terms of the feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide tactile feedback to the user, enhancing the typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, offering a more subtle tactile feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. While the textured feel of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to users who prefer a bit of feedback with each keystroke, the stepped feel of the Violet Gold Pro offers a unique typing sensation that some users may find more comfortable.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is geared towards gamers seeking maximum speed and instant response, with a focus on linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch caters to users looking for a balanced typing experience, featuring medium tactility and a light touch. Both switches have their strengths, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Whether seeking rapid response for gaming or a balanced typing experience for everyday use, both switches offer quality performance that can meet the demands of different users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you are a gamer looking for lightning-fast response times and minimal resistance for quick key presses, the MX Speed Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a medium tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and intended use case for the mechanical keyboard switches.
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