Akko Penguin vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko Penguin and Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for office environments where noise reduction is important. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to those looking for a balanced typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the Penguin's quiet operation and the Violet Gold Pro's Goldilocks-like feel, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Despite both the Akko Penguin and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, they offer slightly different typing experiences due to the nuances of their overall design. The nylon bottom housing of the Penguin contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound upon keypress. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro offers a similar typing experience, emphasizing the softer plastic's ability to absorb sound and produce a more muted sound profile. While the bottom housing of both keyboards shares similar characteristics, subtle differences may still be noticeable in the typing feel and sound quality.
On the other hand, the top housing material of the Akko Penguin and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro diverges with the Penguin featuring a nylon top housing and the Violet Gold Pro utilizing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Penguin contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and produces a rounder sound upon keypress. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer plastic material that produces a clear and resonant sound. These distinct housing materials influence the overall sound and feel of each keyboard, catering to different preferences for typing enthusiasts.
When considering the overall typing experience of the Akko Penguin and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, differences in their housing materials contribute to unique sound profiles. The split between the bottom and top housing materials affects the impact of keypresses and the subsequent sound produced. While both keyboards offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, the choice between a nylon or polycarbonate top housing will significantly alter the overall typing experience. Understanding the influence of housing materials on sound quality and typing feel can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for keyboard aesthetics and performance.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Penguin has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin requires 60 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Penguin has a more consistent force required throughout the keystroke process, while the Violet Gold Pro may have a lighter touch at the beginning but a potentially uncertain bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko Penguin switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a different feel based on their respective travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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, both the Akko Penguin and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments such as home or work settings. The Penguin offers a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches, which is ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. Meanwhile, the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced sound signature, complementing its medium tactility and light touch for a pleasant typing experience. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switches are noted for their polished and mild tactile bump, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. The feathery actuation of the switch also reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that feels more mild compared to hypersensitive switches. While the specific feel of the Violet Gold Pro switches may differ slightly from the Penguin, both switches aim to offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience for users.
Overall, both the Akko Penguin and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Penguin excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience with a balanced tactile bump, making it well-suited for office environments. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a light touch and medium tactility with a stepped tactile feedback, appealing to users seeking a neutral and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in an office setting, the Akko Penguin switch with its muted sound profile and medium weight may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a light touch and a neutral sound, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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