HMX Swift vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, you may find yourself torn between the HMX Swift and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The Swift switch is known for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a medium level of tactility with a light touch, appealing to users looking for a balanced typing feel. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Swift's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In comparison, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with higher pitch, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials are effective in generating different sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Swift and the Violet Gold Pro switches mirrors their top housing counterparts in terms of sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, creating that duller and rounder tone that is characteristic of this material. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures consistency in sound and typing experience across both switches, providing a familiar feel to users regardless of which switch they choose. Consequently, the contrasting characteristics between the top housings of the two switches may play a more significant role in influencing sound profiles and user preferences.
In instances where the top and bottom housing materials differ in a switch, the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly to impact the overall sound profile and typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing material affects the sound when the key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced and customizable typing experience, as users can choose switches that offer a specific combination of qualities from both top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the decision between the HMX Swift and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, key feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Swift will require slightly less force to register a keypress. In terms of bottom out force, the Swift has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Swift may feel slightly heavier when fully pressed compared to the Violet Gold Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference in distance is minimal, it can still impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Swift with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results and it comes down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and responsiveness you desire in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 HMX Swift linear switch offers a unique and deeper sound profile compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which is described as having a neutral sound signature. The Swift switch produces a clacky sound, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more moderate sound profile suitable for various typing environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Swift linear switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience with its light 42g actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having a stepped feel that offers a two-stage tactile sensation during key presses. This unique characteristic gives users a different typing experience compared to the smooth and springy feel of the Swift switch.
Taking all the information into consideration, it's clear that the HMX Swift linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different user preferences. While the Swift switch provides a deeper sound profile and a light, feathery typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound with easy-to-press keys or a moderate sound with a stepped tactile sensation, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preference. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and light keypress with a deeper sound profile, the Swift switch with its 42g actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a silky smooth feel and a quieter sound or a more tactile experience with a bit of feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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