HMX SU vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX SU and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX SU and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a fascinating comparison. The HMX SU, a linear switch, is characterized by its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate for its smooth keypresses and quiet operation. This switch appeals to those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking speed without distraction. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stands out as a tactile switch, featuring medium tactility and a fairly light touch. It boasts a neutral sound signature, positioning it as a "Goldilocks" option with a balanced typing feel, perfect for users who desire feedback without an overly loud or harsh experience. Both switches have their merits, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX SU and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a significant distinction lies in the choice of top housing materials. The HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic characteristic. This quality allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer construction, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically appealing for users who favor illuminated keyboards. Consequently, while the HMX SU offers a more muted and richer sound experience, the Violet Gold Pro focuses on delivering a clearer, more resonant sound that pairs well with vibrant lighting.
On the other hand, both the HMX SU and Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature nylon in their bottom housings. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will elicit a similar auditory profile during key presses. The nylon's softness in the bottom housing absorbs sound, leading to a rounded bottom-out feel, which plays a critical role in the overall typing experience. When pressing the keys on either switch, users will appreciate the deeper sound qualities contributed by the nylon bottom housing. Thus, even though the top housings introduce contrasting sound profiles, the nylon bottom ensures a consistent sound experience during key presses across both switches.
In conclusion, the divergence between the nylon top housing of the HMX SU and the polycarbonate top housing of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro results in distinct auditory experiences when typing, while both switches maintain a similar output due to their nylon bottom housings. This dual-material approach creates a unique synergy in each switch, with the HMX SU leaning towards a warm, rounded sound thanks to its wholly nylon construction and the Violet Gold Pro embracing sharpness and clarity enhanced by its clear polycarbonate top. Ultimately, the combination of these materials determines the overall tactile and auditory feedback experienced by users, offering them a choice based on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The HMX SU linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press and suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, there is a notable difference in their bottom out forces: the SU switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to fully depress the key compared to the Violet Gold Pro, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. This unknown aspect of the Violet Gold Pro leaves some uncertainty about how it feels when bottomed out, but based on the given information, the SU switch is the heavier option due to its identifiable bottom out force. Therefore, while both switches provide a similar actuation experience, the HMX SU offers a more defined push sensation with its additional bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX SU linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the HMX SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the SU offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more traditional and satisfying depth that some users find preferable for typing. Therefore, individuals who enjoy a more abrupt feel may lean towards the HMX SU, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might opt for the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the HMX SU linear switch is notably characterized by a subtle yet relatively deep tone. This makes it appealing for users who prefer a more immersive auditory experience without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is recognized for its neutral sound signature. This neutrality allows it to maintain a more balanced auditory presence, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office environment. Despite these differences, the sound output from either switch can still vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap material, meaning you might achieve a similar sound experience depending on other variables used in your setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX SU switch offers a smooth keystroke typical of linear switches, delivering seamless and uninterrupted motion from key press to bottom-out. This quality is excellent for fast-paced typing and gaming, as it allows for quick successive key presses. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch brings a medium level of tactility to the table. Its stepped design provides a distinct pre-travel and post-travel feel, giving users noticeable feedback during their typing experience. While these switches cater to different preferences—linear for those who enjoy unhindered keystrokes and tactile for those who appreciate feedback—both offer compelling sensations for the user depending on their needs.
In summary, the HMX SU linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a deeper and subtler sound, alongside a smooth, uninterrupted typing feel. Meanwhile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch appeals to users seeking a balanced auditory experience with mild tactile feedback. While you’re likely to find that these switches cater to different typing preferences, each can provide satisfying results tailored to their respective strengths. Ultimately, whether you favor the smoothness or the tactile feedback will depend on your personal typing style and the specific environment in which you plan to use your keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX SU linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing habits should be at the forefront of your decision. If you lean towards a light actuation with a subtle sound profile, the HMX SU's 50-gram bottom-out force and full PA12 housing make it an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke for gaming or fast-paced typing. This switch is a great fit for users who prefer a quieter environment or are looking to reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced typing experience that provides tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is the way to go. Its medium tactility and neutral sound signature cater well to both home and office settings, making it a versatile option for a wider range of users. With its "Goldilocks" feel, the Violet Gold Pro allows you to enjoy a satisfying typing experience that strikes a remarkable balance, accommodating various typing styles whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned typist. Ultimately, considering your individual typing needs will guide you in making the right choice between these two distinct keyboard switches.
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