SP-Star Duck vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Duck and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer tactile typing experiences, but with some distinct differences. The Duck switches are praised for their subtle tactile feel, providing a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them a well-balanced option for those seeking a Goldilocks typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
58g
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
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and Dareu Violet Gold Pro keyboards are similar in that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that want to achieve a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing contrasts with the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon housing.
While both the Duck and Violet Gold Pro keyboards utilize polycarbonate top housings to achieve a clear sound profile and allow for RGB lighting effects, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of sharper and crisper sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how different plastics can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches in the SP-Star Duck and Dareu Violet Gold Pro keyboards demonstrates how each material contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a unique combination of stiffness and absorption in the switches, giving users a diverse range of tactile and auditory feedback to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find that the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Duck has a medium bottom out force, while the actuation force for the Violet Gold Pro is lighter in comparison. This means that the Duck will require a bit more force to fully press down the key, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro will have a lighter actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes and potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Duck being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keystroke depth may lean towards the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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, both the SP-Star Duck Switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro Switch fall under the descriptor of neutral. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so keep that in mind when considering sound preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Duck switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch is labeled as stepped, providing a more subtle tactile feel with a two-stage sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Duck offers a more refined and polished feel while the Violet Gold Pro emphasizes a stepped tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the sound profile of both switches is described as neutral, the Duck switch provides a more subtle tactile experience with a clean and crispy sound, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound, but rest assured that you can expect a satisfactory tactile typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for typewriter-like tactility. Choose the SP-Star Duck switch for a subtle and gentle typing experience with a clean sound profile. On the other hand, opt for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch if you're seeking a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a light touch. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile suitable for various settings, but the Duck provides a milder and buttery feel while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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