Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Oil King is praised for its smooth linear feel, characterized by a low-pitched, creamy sound profile that resembles snapping dark chocolate. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a tactile experience with medium tactility and a light touch, along with a neutral sound signature that provides a balanced typing experience. While the Oil King appeals to those who prefer a buttery smooth feel, the Violet Gold Pro caters to users seeking a Goldilocks tactile option. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences - nylon for a rounder sound and polycarbonate for a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oil King employs a proprietary INK blend that delivers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky yet not overly sharp. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Despite the differences in the bottom housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both materials in achieving the desired sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Oil King offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing and INK blend bottom housing, the Violet Gold Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, emphasizing the importance of considering sound preferences when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Oil King has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. This means that the Oil King requires more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Oil King also has a higher force of 65 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Oil King is therefore considered to be heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. This means that for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Oil King may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may find the Violet Gold Pro more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the 0.2 mm difference may seem small, it can affect how each key press feels to the user. The Oil King with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more robust feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired key response.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy profile, resulting in a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The auditory experience of these two switches will vary based on factors such as the keyboard and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Oil King switch is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing sensation, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch features a stepped tactile feel, providing a slightly different tactile experience with distinct stages during the keystroke. While the Oil King emphasizes smoothness and fluidity, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more nuanced tactile feedback for those who prefer a distinguishable tactility.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King excels in providing a deep, bassy sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced, neutral sound and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, although the user's choice will ultimately come down to whether they prefer a linear or tactile switch and the specific qualities they value in their typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following factors: If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Oil King may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a neutral bottom out force, medium tactility, and a balanced typing experience with a stepped feel, then the Violet Gold Pro could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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