HMX Poro vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options you might consider are the HMX Poro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The HMX Poro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, delivering an effortless glide and a satisfying poppy sound that many gamers and typists love. Its lubrication enhances the overall feel, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize speed and smoothness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility that strikes a harmonious balance, providing feedback without being too pronounced, which appeals to individuals who enjoy a more traditional typing experience without excessive noise. With its neutral sound signature, it's considered a "Goldilocks" option for those looking for versatility. Each switch caters to different preferences—one for the smooth and quick movements favored by gamers, and the other for the tactile feedback craved by typists. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, notable differences emerge particularly in the compositions of their top housings. The Poro utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than the harder plastics typically used in other switch housings. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and consequently tends to generate a sharper, crisper sound profile. This distinction in materials likely leads to markedly different auditory experiences during typing—while the Poro will offer a warmer and more rounded acoustic experience, the Violet Gold Pro is likely to provide a more vibrant and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, creating a level of uniformity in their acoustic attributes. Since nylon is known for its sound-dampening qualities, both switches will share a similar deep and full sound profile stemming from the bottom half of the assembly. This similarity suggests that, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches will maintain a cohesive sound experience planted in the characteristics of their nylon bottoms. Users can expect consistent feedback and a substantial auditory signature when actuating keys, as the nylon material will manage the lower frequencies and body of sound across both models.
While the contrasting materials of the top housings produce different upper-frequency sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing implies that both switches will still yield notable similarities in feel and lower sound dynamics. The top housing's influence is more pronounced when it comes to the sound released during key release, while the nylon bottoms primarily contribute to the overall sound when bottoming out the switch. Thus, even though the Poro and Violet Gold Pro may provide distinct auditory characteristics from their upper housings, their shared nylon bottom ensures a base of commonality in both sound and tactile response. This convergence may satisfy users seeking certain acoustic elements while allowing them to choose between a warmer or sharper overall typing experience based on their preference for the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find some interesting similarities and contrasts. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Poro is 50 grams, indicating a definitive level of resistance when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unavailable. This lack of specificity for the Violet Gold Pro leaves a gap in understanding its total travel force. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, both options can provide a similar actuation experience. Nonetheless, the Poro's known bottom out force suggests a slightly more substantial feel as it requires additional force to fully engage compared to the unspecified bottom out of the Violet Gold Pro. Overall, those seeking a more tactile and heavier push experience may find the Poro switch preferable, given its concrete bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we observe that the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Poro the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which may be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a hearty tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Overall, users looking for faster response times would likely favor the Poro, while the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who enjoy a bit more travel in their switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable, especially in a typing context. This engaging sound, paired with its ultra-light actuation force, contributes to a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a neutral sound signature, which is calmer and more versatile, making it well-suited for diverse environments, from home settings to office spaces. While the Poro offers a more vibrant auditory experience, the Violet Gold Pro caters to those preferring a subdued sound, making it an ideal choice for users who may find clacky sounds distracting.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is recognized for its silky smooth keystrokes, crafted to glide effortlessly under your fingers, enhancing the overall experience of typing or gaming. This smoothness appeals to users who enjoy continuous keypress without interruptions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a medium tactile response, characterized as a stepped switch. This means it offers a slight tactile bump during the actuation, providing distinct feedback that some users appreciate for its clarity, especially when typing. The Poro’s smooth feel contrasts with the more defined tactile experience of the Violet Gold Pro, catering to different preferences in keystroke dynamics.
Overall, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Poro excels in providing a lively sound and a smooth keystroke experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging and responsive typing environment. Meanwhile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stands out with its neutral sound profile and stepped tactile feedback, appealing to those looking for a balanced and deliberate typing sensation. Together, these switches demonstrate how sound and feel can significantly influence the typing experience, and understanding these differences can help you choose a switch that best fits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and use cases. If you value a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Poro's lightweight actuation force and silky feel may be ideal for you, particularly if you enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. The poppy and clacky sound profile of the Poro can also enhance your gaming experience or provide a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Violet Gold Pro is likely your go-to. With its medium tactility and neutral sound signature, this switch caters well to both casual typing and professional settings, making it a versatile choice for different environments. Additionally, if you're someone who appreciates a switch that provides a clear yet subtle feeling of engagement without overwhelming noise, the Violet Gold Pro's stepped tactile design will serve you well. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the type of experience you desire, ensuring that you'll enjoy every keystroke based on your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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