Kailh Plum vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are both excellent options to consider. The Kailh Plum is unique in that it offers a hefty feel without a prominent tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, making it a well-balanced choice for typing enthusiasts. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Plum being more distinctive and the Violet Gold Pro being more versatile. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboards. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual appeal from both the Plum and the Violet Gold Pro due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Plum utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
When considering the overall typing experience, the different housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal, their nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. As a result, users can expect a consistent typing experience with either switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as the desired aesthetic with RGB lighting.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Plum switch heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who want a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions. Both switches have unique advantages, with the Plum being heavier in bottom out force and the Violet Gold Pro being lighter in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Plum a good choice for gaming. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, both the Kailh Plum and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile of these switches provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Plum switch offers a unique experience with its hefty feel and moderate tactility without a huge tactile bump. This sets it apart from other tactile switches that typically have a more pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a medium level of tactility with a lighter touch, giving it a balanced feel that appeals to users seeking a more gentle typing experience. Both switches boast a stepped design, offering a more mild tactile feedback compared to switches with a more intense bump throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Plum and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches excel in providing a neutral sound profile and approachable tactile feedback for users looking for a balanced typing experience. While the Plum offers a unique feel with its weightiness and moderate tactility, the Violet Gold Pro delivers a lighter touch with medium tactility, making it a "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience each user desires, but both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to heavy bottom out force and a unique typing experience that is not overly tactile, the Kailh Plum switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium tactility, light touch, and a balanced typing experience, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would be the ideal option. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for bottom out force and typing feel.
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