Huano Sakura vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Sakura is renowned for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it a top choice for those who engage in extensive typing sessions without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, striking a balance that many users find appealing, as it serves as an ideal “Goldilocks” option for a well-rounded typing experience. Whether you're looking for a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with the Sakura or the tactile feedback from the Violet Gold Pro that helps guide your fingers while typing, each switch has unique attributes to consider. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings while the bottom housings remain consistent. The Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which boasts an impressive combination of smoothness and durability due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This allows for a fluid keystroke experience while providing superior shock resistance compared to typical materials like Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the acoustic qualities, especially for those who frequently employ RGB lighting because of its translucency. Therefore, while the Sakura offers a smoother and more durable typing experience with a "clacky" sound, the Violet Gold Pro focuses on providing a more resonant sound profile that could be preferred by users seeking clarity in their keystrokes.
The bottom housings of both the Huano Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon, a tried-and-true material that delivers a fuller and deeper sound profile. With nylon being a softer plastic, it helps absorb sound more effectively, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory characteristic when typing. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that, despite the differences in their top housings, both switches provide a solid base for sound absorption and resonance. Consequently, while the overall sound profile of each switch may vary due to their top materials, the consistent nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a satisfying and rich bottom-out sound across both switches.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials in the Huano Sakura and Dareu Violet Gold Pro create unique experiences, with the Sakura prioritizing smoothness and durability, while the Violet Gold Pro focuses on clarity and a more vibrant sound. However, the shared characteristic of a nylon bottom housing tempers these effects and ensures a robust acoustic experience. Users will still find that both switches can deliver pleasant auditory feedback, even if the nature of that feedback varies. In this way, regardless of the differences, both switches can yield satisfying results tailored to different preferences: tactile and resilient for the Sakura, and sharp and bright for the Violet Gold Pro.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and providing a more relaxed experience for users who might prefer to avoid fatigue. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches have distinct bottom-out forces, with the Sakura at 45 grams against an unspecified bottom-out force for the Violet Gold Pro. This lack of data for the Violet Gold Pro means no direct comparison can be made in that regard. Overall, if weight is a primary concern, the Huano Sakura would be the better choice for users seeking a lighter switch, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro appeals to those who prefer a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly longer distance at 3.8 mm. This difference suggests that the Sakura switch might be more appealing to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, as its shorter distance can facilitate rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a feeling of depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile sensation.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, which means it has a balanced noise profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without being disruptive in a shared environment. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, characterized by moderate sound and actuation force, which allows it to blend seamlessly into both casual and professional settings. Thus, both switches aim for a balanced auditory experience, catering to users who desire a more subdued typing atmosphere.
Regarding feel, the Sakura provides a feather-light touch, making it effortless to press while still offering smooth keystrokes. This can translate to a comfortable typing experience, especially for those who type for long periods without much fatigue. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a stepped tactile feel, providing a discernible bump in feedback during the keystroke. This allows for an interactive experience that gives users a clearer sense of actuation, albeit with a fairly light touch. While the Sakura focuses more on smoothness and minimal resistance, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balance of tactility and ease of actuation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to specific user preferences but excel in their own ways. The Sakura’s medium sound and feather-light touch make it ideal for prolonged use, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feedback, offering a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness over tactile feedback or seek a harmonious balance suitable for various typing contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself typing for long periods and prefer a light touch with a softer acoustic profile, the Sakura switch would be a great choice due to its 45-gram bottom-out force, which provides a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. This makes it an excellent option for users who value speed and comfort without a pronounced click sound, ideal for quieter environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a balanced tactile feedback without the heaviness of more pronounced switches, the Violet Gold Pro would be the better fit. This switch’s neutral sound profile and medium tactility offer a pleasing experience for a variety of users, providing just enough feedback to enhance typing accuracy without being too overwhelming, making it suitable for both work and casual gaming. Ultimately, your selection should hinge on whether you prioritize a light, linear feel or a more moderate, tactile sensation when crafting your perfect mechanical keyboard setup.
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