Outemu Phoenix vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix 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 Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Phoenix is renowned for its unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing a satisfyingly crunchy and polished typing experience with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making it a well-rounded option for those seeking a balanced typing experience akin to the Goldilocks tale. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended usage. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Phoenix and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Phoenix utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
The utilization of different bottom housing materials between the Outemu Phoenix and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro leads to distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the Nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro results in a duller and rounder sound. This variation showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While both switches offer a unique sound signature, the Phoenix with its dual polycarbonate housing provides a more consistent and sharp sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Phoenix and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the consistency of its sound profile, whereas the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight how the combination of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch differ significantly. The Phoenix has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when fully pressed, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. In terms of weight, the Phoenix is heavier in terms of bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the light actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro may be more appealing to individuals looking for a smoother typing experience for longer periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Phoenix offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is known for its crunchy and satisfying click, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Phoenix switch is recognized for its polished and refined typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a stepped tactile feel with two distinct stages, offering a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch each bring their own distinct qualities to the table. The Phoenix excels in providing a crunchy and polished typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more neutral and stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, both options provide quality performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a unique and lively typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the Phoenix switch with its medium bottom out force may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile feedback with a lighter touch and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switch, despite its unavailable bottom out force information, might be the ideal choice. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so make sure to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, either switch can enhance your typing experience depending on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
