Cherry Nixie vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that provides medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a balanced option for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. While the Nixie is favored for its thocky feel and low-pitched sound, the Violet Gold Pro is praised for its Goldilocks-like tactility. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both utilize nylon for their top housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the Violet Gold Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Nixie. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Violet Gold Pro also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Nixie and the Violet Gold Pro feature nylon, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience remains consistent between the two switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the two switches due to other factors such as design and construction.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the Nixie offers a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing, the Violet Gold Pro provides a crisper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing. The combination of these materials in each switch highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Nixie is heavier in both aspects. The Nixie requires an actuation force of 63.5 grams, which is significantly higher than the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Nixie is 80 grams, while the force required for bottoming out with the Violet Gold Pro is unavailable. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a firmer push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the Violet Gold Pro. For those who prefer a faster and more responsive typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Nixie might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press and feel that a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. Depending on the user's preference for sound, the Nixie may be more desirable for those who enjoy a deeper and more bass-heavy typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more balanced and moderate sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is characterized by its textured typing experience, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture adds to the tactile feedback and overall feel of the switch, catering to individuals who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a two-stage sensation during the keystroke. This stepped feel offers a more subtle tactility compared to hyper-tactile switches, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel in their typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If a user values a thocky and textured typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if a user prefers a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel with a lighter touch, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the factors that are important to you. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, then the Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium tactility, a light touch, and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure that you get the best keyboard switch for your needs.
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