Durock Sea Glass vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Sea Glass is praised for its captivating pastel colors, dry and airy typing sensation, and frictionless nature despite its bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is recognized for its medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, appealing to those in search of a balanced typing experience. While these general pointers may guide you towards either switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see that the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both its top and bottom housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant, bright sound profile that is not too sharp. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This shows that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound profile of a switch.
Aesthetically, the Sea Glass's housing material blend may not be as visually striking as the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro, which is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the sound profile of the Sea Glass is described as pleasant and bright, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's housing materials create a crisper and more resonant sound profile, ideal for those seeking a sharper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics.
It is noteworthy that the material used for the top housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, while the material of the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the unique qualities of the housing materials in the Sea Glass and Violet Gold Pro will result in different typing experiences. Whether you prefer a brighter and softer sound profile or a crisper and sharper typing experience, the housing materials of these switches play a pivotal role in shaping the overall feel and sound of your keyboard.
Weight
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have different specifications when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Sea Glass is slightly heavier with a higher bottom out force compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Some users may prefer the Sea Glass for its more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Violet Gold Pro for a lighter touch during long typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. This means that you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.8 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing an auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press qualities, offering a typing experience that is smooth, gentle, and effortless. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is categorized as being stepped, providing a more subtle tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Both switches aim to cater to different preferences in terms of tactility and typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch each bring their unique qualities to the table. While the Sea Glass offers a distinct sound and feel with its frictionless and airy nature, the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced and neutral tactile experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, as they both offer top-notch quality and performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a unique and distinct typing experience with a weightless feel and hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is a solid option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, as both switches offer quality characteristics that cater to different needs. Make sure to test out both switches to determine which one suits you best.
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