HMX Twilight vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Twilight and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Twilight and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a fascinating contrast between the benefits of linear and tactile designs. The HMX Twilight, characterized by its extended 3.85mm travel distance, offers a smoother typing experience with a slightly quieter sound profile while maintaining the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke, particularly in gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro shines as a tactile switch that delivers a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, earning it the reputation of a "Goldilocks" option for those who desire a balanced typing experience without being overly loud or demanding. Each switch serves distinct preferences, whether you lean towards the fluidity of linear motion or the satisfying feedback of tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Twilight and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro exhibit distinct characteristics that markedly influence the typing experience and the resultant sound profile. The Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer consistency. This property allows the nylon to absorb more sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In stark contrast, the Violet Gold Pro’s polycarbonate top housing is crafted from a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. This difference highlights the varying aesthetic and auditory outputs of the two switches, where the Twilight leans toward a rounder sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more resonant and clear sound. For users seeking an enhanced RGB experience, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Violet Gold Pro allows for better light diffusion.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Twilight and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon, signifying a shared characteristic that impacts the typing experience. Nylon's softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound output that contributes significantly to the tactile feedback felt during key presses. Even though the top housings diverge in material, the unified use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver that well-rounded sound profile when bottoming out. This commonality creates a certain degree of consistency in the tactile response of both keyboards, allowing users to enjoy elements of a similar auditory experience despite their differing top housings.
Ultimately, the construction of both switches demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials can lead to a nuanced typing experience. The Twilight's nylon top fosters a more muted acoustics while the Violet Gold Pro’s polycarbonate top heightens clarity—each offering unique auditory traits. Despite their differences in the top materials, the alignment in the bottom housing ensures that both switches evoke a similarly deep sound output when key presses are fully engaged. For users who prioritize versatility in sound and feedback, understanding these variances and similarities can help them select a keyboard that complements their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where less finger fatigue is desired. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key feel. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, making it challenging to fully assess its performance in that regard. Overall, the Twilight is the lighter switch, suitable for users who prioritize ease of use, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a heavier option for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Twilight linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch exhibit slightly different travel distances, with the Twilight featuring a travel distance of 3.85 mm and the Violet Gold Pro at 3.8 mm. This means that while both switches offer relatively short travel distances, the Twilight switch has a marginally longer travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke experience compared to the more concise feedback of the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers looking for rapid response times may gravitate towards the shorter Violet Gold Pro, while those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Twilight. Overall, although the difference is minimal, the selection between a longer action or a more immediate response can influence user preference significantly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Twilight linear switch produces a quieter profile thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While it maintains the classic clacky characteristics inherent in HMX switches, this design leads to a less intrusive acoustic experience that can be suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it exceptionally versatile, ensuring a balanced auditory experience that caters well to users whether they are beginners or seasoned typists. Both switches can deliver similar auditory results depending on the keyboard they are paired with and the choice of keycaps, allowing for customization to achieve the desired sound environment.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Twilight provides a smooth linear experience, allowing for continuous keystrokes without the tactile interruptions found in other switch types. This fluidity can enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue for those who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility, characterized as a stepped switch. This means that users will experience a noticeable but mild tactile feedback at two distinct stages of the keystroke, offering a satisfying experience for users who appreciate tactile cues without being overwhelmed. The choice between these two switches thus largely depends on the individual's preference for a linear feel versus a more tactile experience.
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound and feel. If a quieter operation with smooth keystrokes is preferable, the Twilight is an excellent choice. However, for those who appreciate subtle tactile feedback, the Violet Gold Pro serves as a well-balanced option that is versatile across various typing tasks. Both switches can be tailored to individual needs with the right keyboard and keycap combinations, making it easy to achieve a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smoother, quieter keystroke with a light actuation force, the Twilight would be your best bet, especially if you appreciate an extended travel distance for a floating, less noisy typing experience. This makes it well-suited for gaming or in environments where noise could be a distraction. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced tactile sensation that offers a moderate feedback experience without being overly harsh, the Violet Gold Pro will likely serve you well. Its neutral sound profile and medium tactility strike a perfect balance for both casual and professional settings, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. As you decide, consider your typical uses—whether you are gaming, typing extensively at work, or simply enjoying a blend of both, there’s a switch here that can cater specifically to those needs.
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