Gateron Smoothie vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're thrilled to introduce the Gateron Smoothie, an all-POM switch that shatters the price barrier without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. This linear switch is known for its buttery, low-pitched, and creamy feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a subdued and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, positioning them as an ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. With a stepped and neutral feel, the Violet Gold Pro provides a tactile feedback that is satisfying yet not overly pronounced. Both switches have their unique strengths and can cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro comes down to personal preference and individual typing style. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches both greatly influence the sound profile of the keystrokes, but they do so in different ways. The POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, providing a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, adding a more pronounced auditory element to each keystroke. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the difference lies in the level of clarity and resonance they bring to the typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie mirrors the top housing in creating a pleasing and unique deep sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro generates a fuller and deeper sound, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a rounder and duller sound during typing. The choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch, shaping the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound experienced by the user.
In considering the impact of having different top and bottom housing materials in a switch, it is important to note how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when the key is released. The combination of POM and nylon in the Smoothie and Violet Gold Pro switches, respectively, creates a unique balance between deep, muted sounds and sharper, crisper tones, offering users a choice between subtlety and clarity in their typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch is lighter in actuation force, requiring 40 grams to trigger a keystroke, compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which needs 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The Smoothie may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Violet Gold Pro may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation forces, with the Smoothie being lighter and the Violet Gold Pro being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and how much force they prefer to use when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable options for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, resulting in a satisfyingly deep and mellow acoustic experience when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with them.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that is uniform and seamless. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is noted for its stepped tactile feedback, providing a mild two-stage tactile feel that includes some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique tactile characteristics, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Smoothie provides a thocky sound and a buttery typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound and a stepped tactile sensation. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and deep sound with a buttery feel, the Smoothie may be the way to go. However, if you seek a more balanced sound and a tactile typing experience with some feedback stages, the Violet Gold Pro could be the better choice. Both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience, so you can expect similar levels of quality and performance regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a subtle and deep sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium tactility and a balanced typing feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch would suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound in your typing experience (Smoothie) or prefer a tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile (Violet Gold Pro). Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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