Bsun Olive vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Olive and Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as excellent tactile options to choose from. The BSUN Olive switches are praised for their unique design and all-POM housings, resulting in a resonant, deep sound that is complemented by pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them a perfectly balanced option for typing. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the Olive leans more towards an invigorating and sharp feel, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more stepped and neutral sensation. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profiles of their respective switches. The Olive features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switch. Overall, the housing materials of these two switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Bsun Olive. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. This results in a typing experience that may be more satisfying for those who prefer switches with a deeper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Olive offers a more muted sound profile, catering to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Olive and Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ in material, both switches prioritize enhancing the overall sound profile through their housing choices. The impact of each housing material can be felt differently when typing or releasing a key - the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, users can expect a unique and pleasing sound experience from both switches, tailored to their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force is the same at 45 grams for both switches. However, the bottom out force of the Olive is 65 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Olive is the heavier of the two switches in terms of bottoming out. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter switch like the Violet Gold Pro allows for longer typing sessions, while a heavier switch like the Olive provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, if both switches have the same actuation force but different bottom out forces, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes but may feel a difference in the force required to fully press the keys.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile 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 Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive switch provides a resonant and deep sound thanks to its all-POM housings, creating a distinct auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of typing scenarios. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Olive switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, creating a tactile experience that is both pronounced and satisfying. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile sensation, providing a mild two-stage tactile feel that is different from the intense feedback of the Olive switch. These differences in feel cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Bsun Olive switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offer unique tactile and auditory experiences. While the Olive switch excels in providing a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback along with a deep resonant sound, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile sensation for a balanced typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Olive tactile switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced tactile feedback, and a deep resonant sound, then the Olive switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch, a neutral sound signature, and a switch that offers a balanced typing experience, then the Violet Gold Pro switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what typing experience you are looking for before making a decision.