Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Tourmaline Blue is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile and bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. With a standard spring weight, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches provide a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making them a "Goldilocks" option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Tourmaline Blues are described as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Violet Gold Pro switches are categorized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own unique advantages, 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
59g
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
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's sharper sound from the polycarbonate bottom housing.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro results in distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This distinction in sound quality emphasizes the importance of housing materials in keyboard switches and how they can impact the overall typing experience. Additionally, the use of different materials for the bottom housing showcases the versatility in design and customization options for mechanical keyboards.
While the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of materials for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The split qualities of the housing materials, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound upon key release, showcase the attention to detail in designing these switches. Whether opting for the sharper sound of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue or the deeper sound of nylon in the Violet Gold Pro's bottom housing, users can enjoy a customized typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro only needs 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, with no information available regarding the bottom out force. This means that the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier of the two switches, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Violet Gold Pro more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find that the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly deeper keypress experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The Tourmaline Blue may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth, while the Violet Gold Pro may be favored by those seeking a faster response time due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and typing environments. The Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more neutral sound signature. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile sensation with a light touch and a two-stage keystroke feel. The Violet Gold Pro switch falls in the middle ground in terms of tactility, making it a versatile option for users seeking a balanced typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue excels in providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke and a deep, thocky sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature. Depending on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to whether you prefer a more buttery and easy-to-press feel or a stepped tactile sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a deep and thocky sound profile that provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a great choice for you. The medium-heavy bottom out force and balanced spring weight make it accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be the ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option for you. With a medium tactility and a stepped feel, it offers a balanced typing experience that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference in terms of sound and feel.
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