Durock T1 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock T1 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Durock T1 is praised for its medium bump and comforting typing feel, reminiscent of raindrops falling on a window, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound, striking a balance that appeals to users seeking a more subtle tactile experience. Each switch is unique in its own way, offering a distinct typing sensation depending on individual preferences. 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
67g
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
Nylon
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 Durock T1 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share similar qualities when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in the top housing material ensures that users will experience comparable sound profiles and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The T1 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with unique sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While the Durock T1 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro share similar polycarbonate top housings, their use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
The Durock T1 tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The T1 has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, while the T1 would be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we see that the T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the T1 being slightly on the longer side. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel may opt for the T1 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a good balance between responsiveness and tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 Durock T1 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The T1 is noted for its low-pitched sound, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone, resembling rain falling on a window. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound signature, contributing to a balanced typing experience. It is important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a stepped tactile experience, providing users with a two-stage sensation during key presses. The T1 is further described as accented, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is described as providing a fairly light touch with medium tactility, offering a comfortable and balanced typing experience without being too heavy on the fingers.
Overall, both the Durock T1 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer users a pleasant tactile typing experience with medium tactility. While the T1 has a slightly more pronounced bump and a low-pitched sound akin to rain falling, the Violet Gold Pro provides a lighter touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are seeking. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a comfortable typing experience and a rain-like sound profile, the T1 may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium tactility, fairly light touch, and a neutral sound signature, making it a well-balanced option, then the Violet Gold Pro could be the better choice. Consider your bottom out force preference, typing comfort, sound preference, and desired tactility level when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns most closely with your typing style and preferences.
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