Akko Rosewood vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present two distinct options catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Akko Rosewood, categorized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thocky" sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a smooth keystroke experience. This switch is particularly appealing to users who enjoy a quieter typing session while benefiting from the consistent actuation without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, known for its medium tactility, provides a more interactive experience with its 'stepped' design, striking a balance between a light touch and a neutral sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a keyboard that feels more engaging, offering clear feedback without being overly loud. While both switches have their unique strengths—one leaning towards a seamless, silent typing experience and the other towards tactile feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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 Akko Rosewood and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we can discern distinct characteristics that directly influence their sound profiles and user experience. The Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This contrasts with the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, which features a polycarbonate top housing. The rigidity of polycarbonate lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisper audio output. Therefore, while both switches provide unique sound characteristics, the Rosewood prioritizes warmth and depth, while the Violet Gold Pro emphasizes clarity and resonance.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Akko Rosewood and Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon. This consistency means that both switches share a commonality in their bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing, being soft and sound-absorbing, ensures that regardless of the differing top housings, users will experience a rounded sound signature at the bottom of the keystroke. Thus, typing on both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience when the key is fully pressed down, reinforcing the softer undertones associated with nylon materials.
In summary, while the Akko Rosewood's nylon top housing and Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing present contrasting auditory profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a semblance of sound characteristics between the two switches. This combination of materials means that users will enjoy deeper note qualities when the switch is bottomed out, no matter which model is in use. Ultimately, the differences in plastic types shape the typing experience in distinct ways, creating nuanced results in sound when pressing and releasing keys.
Weight
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to engage. In comparison, the Violet Gold Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel for their typing experience. However, while the Rosewood has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is not available. This makes it difficult to directly compare their bottoming-out characteristics. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter feel for easier typing, the Akko Rosewood is the better option, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may cater to those who appreciate a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Rosewood switch comes in at a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Violet Gold Pro the shorter option, appealing to users seeking quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Rosewood’s longer travel distance caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key, providing a hearty depth that some users find satisfying. Thus, while both switches could deliver responsive performance, the choice largely depends on individual preference for either the slightly quicker actuation of the Violet Gold Pro or the more pronounced tactile feedback from the Rosewood.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
The Akko Rosewood linear switch is renowned for its deep, thocky sound, attributing its satisfying acoustic quality to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the auditory experience as soon as you start typing. This rich sound profile makes it particularly appealing for users who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature, which means it produces a moderate acoustic profile that is neither overwhelming nor too muted. This neutrality makes the Violet Gold Pro versatile, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various environments, whether it’s at home or in an office setting.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch offers a consistently smooth experience typical of linear switches, with no tactile bump throughout the keystroke. This smoothness can contribute to a quick and fluid typing experience, perfect for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro’s tactile design features a medium level of tactility, presenting a stepped feel. Users will notice a distinct sensation during actuation, akin to feeling two stages within the keystroke—offering a pleasant tactile reference without being overly pronounced, making it ideal for users who enjoy some feedback without excessive disruption.
In summary, the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Rosewood excels with its deep, thocky sound and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who desire pronounced auditory feedback and fluidity. Meanwhile, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more subtle auditory character and a balanced tactile experience, making it suitable for users who appreciate moderate feedback during typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a smooth, linear feel with rich sound or a tactile typing experience with a neutral acoustic profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a light touch and are drawn to a deep, thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood is an excellent option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to type quickly and comfortably, particularly if you're prone to long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are needed. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that is neither overpowering nor too subtle, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro represents an ideal balance. With its medium tactility and neutral sound signature, it caters well to both typing and office environments, allowing you to navigate between activities without drawing excessive attention to your keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek the satisfying sound and smoothness of a linear switch or the gentle feedback and familiarity of a tactile one.
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