KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, making it a great choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and mild switch. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to users looking for a balanced typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro lies in their housing materials. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon takes it a step further by incorporating a nylon bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Sea Salt Lemon compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon absorbs more sound than the harder plastic of the Violet Gold Pro, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Violet Gold Pro offer similar characteristics in their top housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both keyboards creates a sharp and high-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to both keyboards. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound profile and performance from both keyboards due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Violet Gold Pro will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Sea Salt Lemon's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique and deep typing experience, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's consistent polycarbonate housing throughout provides a sharp and crisp sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Violet Gold Pro or a fuller sound with the Sea Salt Lemon, both keyboards showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out. Generally, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions and is preferred for work or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, if the Violet Gold Pro has a heavier bottom out force, it may be more suitable for those seeking a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing needs.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both are relatively close in distance, with the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly longer. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon for its slightly longer travel distance, as it provides a bit more depth. Conversely, those looking for a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Sea Salt Lemon leans towards a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Violet Gold Pro maintains a more general neutral sound signature. In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience, striking a balance between comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a stepped tactile feel, giving users a sense of two distinct stages in the keystroke. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Sea Salt Lemon excelling in a smooth linear typing experience and the Violet Gold Pro providing a balanced and tactile keystroke. If you enjoy a moderate sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, both of these switches are excellent options to consider.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactility and balance in your typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and enjoy a satisfying keyboard experience.
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