KTT Orange vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique features and typing experiences. The KTT Orange switch is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel and frictionless typing experience. With a 22mm long spring and excellent factory-lubing, this switch provides a smooth and low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a refined and fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is a tactile option with medium tactility and a light touch. Its neutral sound signature makes it a Goldilocks option for users seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Orange switch is categorized as bouncy, frictionless, low-pitched and the Violet Gold Pro as stepped, neutral, both switches have their own unique advantages. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro lies in their bottom housings. The Orange uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, the top housings of both the KTT Orange and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate. This means that both switches will produce a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in terms of keypresses and release. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is beneficial for RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a similar acoustic experience with regards to sound quality and resonance.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Orange contributes to a more defined and resonant bottom-out sound, while the softness of nylon in the Violet Gold Pro results in a softer and fuller bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Both switches' polycarbonate top housings contribute to a sharp and crisp sound upon key release, ensuring a consistent acoustic experience for users.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Orange requires a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of actuation force. When it comes to weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Orange to be more suitable. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force differences between the two switches offer users the opportunity to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 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 Orange. The Orange switch may provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker inputs. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may offer a bit more depth and tactile feedback for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches will provide a different typing experience based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched profile, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. This means that users can expect a spring-like feedback sensation and smooth, effortless typing experience due to the minimal resistance when pressing the keys. In comparison, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile feel that has two stages - pre-travel and post-travel. This provides a more subdued tactility compared to switches with a continuous bump throughout the keystroke.
When considering all the available information, it's clear that the KTT Orange linear switch excels in providing a bouncy feel and low-pitched sound profile for a slick and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a well-rounded option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. If you are drawn towards a more lively and bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Orange switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a medium tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would be a fitting option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and key feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound signature, medium tactility, and a fairly light touch, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
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