HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus 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 Vintage Citrus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Vintage Citrus is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, featuring a low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid inputs, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Its bright, clacky sound and smooth push feel enhance the exhilarating experience that many gamers seek. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch offering medium tactility with a fairly light touch, catering to those who appreciate feedback without excessive resistance. Its neutral sound profile has made it a popular choice for users looking for a balanced typing experience that is neither too loud nor too soft. Each switch brings unique benefits tailored to different user preferences, whether you prioritize rapid response times or a satisfying tactile feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.00 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
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-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, significant differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the resulting auditory experience is characterized by a duller and rounder sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a richer typing acoustics. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for delivering a sharper and more crisper sound profile. The structural rigidity of polycarbonate results in a clearer and more resonant sound. Notably, polycarbonate’s translucence enhances the aesthetic appeal of switches that feature RGB lighting, making it a favorite for gamers and customization enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Vintage Citrus and the Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon material, providing a consistent auditory experience in this aspect. Similar to the top housing in the Vintage Citrus, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall acoustic experience of the switch. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches underscores a commonality where players can expect a consistent bottom-out sound and feel. This consistent choice ensures that while the top housing may differ in sound quality, the foundational auditory characteristics remain aligned, allowing users to enjoy a similarly warm and rounded response when the keys are pressed down.
Overall, when considering the combined effects of these contrasting materials, the Vintage Citrus and the Violet Gold Pro showcase how varying housings influence typing dynamics. The differences in the top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles, while the common use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a unified deep sound experience. This division of characteristics allows users to appreciate both the aesthetic qualities of switches (particularly in the case of the Violet Gold Pro) and the auditory nuances introduced by nylon, ensuring that typists and gamers can select a switch that best fits their preferences while still experiencing complementary sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, distinct characteristics emerge. The Vintage Citrus has an actuation force of 48 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. This means that the Vintage Citrus will require a bit more force to register a keystroke, making it feel more substantial for those who prefer a stronger push. However, the Vintage Citrus also has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it provides a noticeable resistance when fully pressed, enhancing tactile feedback. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is not specified, leaving an incomplete picture of its overall performance during intense typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Vintage Citrus switch is the heavier option, which could be preferable for users seeking a more grounded typing experience, while the lighter actuation of the Violet Gold Pro may benefit users looking for ease of use during extended periods of typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option that appeals to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, providing a deeper press that some users may find more satisfying, although it may feel slightly less responsive in fast-paced scenarios. Therefore, for those who prioritize speedy keypresses, the Vintage Citrus offers the shorter travel distance, while the Violet Gold Pro's longer travel distance may be favored by users seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Vintage Citrus switch emits a bright, clacky sound that enhances the gaming experience, creating an engaging auditory response that many users may find exhilarating during intense gameplay. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch has a neutral sound signature, providing a moderate sound profile that works well in both professional and casual environments. This balanced sound makes the Violet Gold Pro an excellent choice for users seeking a less intrusive auditory experience, whether they're typing in a quiet office or at home.
In terms of feel, the Vintage Citrus switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth push, which, combined with its low actuation force, allows for rapid key presses that gamers frequently seek. This smoothness contributes to a fluid typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile feel characterized by a "stepped" sensation. This means it offers a discernible bump that provides feedback at both pre-travel and post-travel stages of the keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance.
Overall, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present unique qualities suited to their target audiences. The Vintage Citrus excels in delivering a fast, engaging auditory and tactile experience perfect for gaming enthusiasts, while the Violet Gold Pro serves as a versatile middle ground for those seeking a more neutral sound and a gentle tactile response for typing. Depending on personal preference—whether you prioritize a clacky sound and smooth feel or a balanced, tactile experience—each switch can deliver satisfying results tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch largely hinges on your typing and gaming preferences. If you prioritize speed, especially for gaming, the Vintage Citrus is your go-to option, offering a low actuation force and a smooth push feel that allows for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile will appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, making it an excellent fit for fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you're looking for a well-rounded keyboard experience suitable for both typing and casual gaming, the Violet Gold Pro with its medium tactility and neutral sound signature may be more desirable. This switch provides a balanced feel that won't tire your fingers during extended use, making it versatile for home or office environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards speed and auditory feedback or a balanced typing experience.
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