Kailh Sage vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch. The Kailh Sage is known for its invigorating and sharp clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and a refreshingly crunchy feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a Goldilocks option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. Overall, the Sage provides a bold and sharp typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more subtle and balanced feel. 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
Both the Kailh Sage and Dareu Violet Gold Pro use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This material also offers a translucent aesthetic that is visually appealing. However, despite both switches using polycarbonate, the specific design and construction of the housings may still lead to differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This material is a classic choice for switch housing and provides a different tactile experience than polycarbonate. Despite the shared use of nylon, the overall typing experience on these switches may still be influenced by other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
The split design of using different materials for the top and bottom housing in these switches allows for a balanced combination of sound and feel. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings contributes to a unique typing experience for each switch, even if they share similar housing materials. Ultimately, the specific design and construction of the Kailh Sage and Dareu Violet Gold Pro will determine the overall typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Sage switch is considered medium-heavy 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 more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a factor. Both switches offer different benefits in terms of weight, with the Sage being on the heavier side and the Violet Gold Pro being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Sage has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a typical travel distance for mechanical switches. The Sage's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Violet Gold Pro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Sage 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, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy typing experience with a sharp clickiness reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced typists, looking for a balanced typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy feel that creates an immersive experience. Its sharp tactile bump offers a distinct tactile feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a more mild and gradual experience with a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is best suited for those who prefer a heavy and sharp clicky typing experience with high feedback intensity. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch caters to users looking for a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced and versatile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for different types of users.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a satisfyingly clicky typing experience with a heavier keypress, then the Kailh Sage switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter touch and a more balanced typing feel, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of keypress weight, sound, and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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