KTT Strawberry vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Strawberry and Dareu Violet Gold Pro are two popular options with distinct features. The KTT Strawberry is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a frictionless and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch with medium tactility and a light touch, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing style and sound feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant RGB lighting effect to enhance the overall aesthetic of the keyboards. However, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Strawberry. The nylon material in the Dareu Violet Gold Pro absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those looking for a more muffled typing experience.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the KTT Strawberry and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer different typing experiences due to their distinct bottom housing materials. While the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles reflects the differences in plastic stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys is notable, with the nylon material in the Dareu Violet Gold Pro providing a unique typing sensation compared to the polycarbonate material in the KTT Strawberry.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Strawberry and Dareu Violet Gold Pro plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. While both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of these housing materials on the typing feel and sound production highlights the importance of material selection in designing mechanical keyboards to cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Strawberry requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium weight when it comes to bottom out force, with the Strawberry requiring 62 grams and the Violet Gold Pro not specifying its bottom out force. The Strawberry provides a smoother keystroke with a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. This makes the Violet Gold Pro slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Strawberry. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Strawberry being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Violet Gold Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched tone, providing a deeper and mellower sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is noted for its neutral sound signature, which falls in the middle ground in terms of actuation force and sound profile. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Strawberry catering to those who prefer a bass-heavy tone and the Violet Gold Pro providing a versatile sound suitable for various environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Strawberry is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These characteristics point towards an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke, with minimal resistance and maximum fluidity. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is characterized as having a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile bump with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. While the Strawberry excels in providing a slick and refined typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more nuanced tactile response for typists who prefer a moderate level of tactility.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Strawberry excels in providing a low-pitched sound and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance between tactility and sound neutrality, appealing to users who seek a tactile switch with a moderate feel. Whether you opt for the Strawberry for its buttery smoothness or the Violet Gold Pro for its stepped tactility, both switches offer unique typing experiences that are sure to enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Strawberry would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium tactility with a light touch and a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro would suit your needs better. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, actuation force, or sound profile, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the decision rests on what type of typing experience you value most.
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