Dareu Violet Gold Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and Gateron Weightlessness present two appealing options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Violet Gold Pro is celebrated for its medium tactility and light touch, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balanced typing experience without overwhelming feedback or noise, often regarded as a "Goldilocks" switch for its versatile appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, enhanced by a well-rounded sound profile that complements their typing characteristics, offering a more understated typing sensation for those who prefer a quieter environment. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences; 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness, we see a distinct difference between the materials used for the top housing. The Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer plastic composition, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic, combined with the material's translucency, also makes it an ideal choice for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Weightlessness is constructed with a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb more sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that creates a duller resonance. Overall, the different materials lead to unique sound characteristics, with the polycarbonate providing a bright, clear sound and the nylon offering a richer, more muted tone.
On the other hand, both the Violet Gold Pro and the Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to absorb sound, both switches will exhibit a similarly fuller and deeper sound profile when pressed. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it affects the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when typing. Consequently, despite having different materials in their top housings, the use of nylon in both bottom components leads to a shared acoustic characteristic, where the fullness of sound is retained. This commonality helps bridge the differences that arise from the varied top housing materials.
The interplay between the two types of materials in each switch ultimately shapes the overall typing experience. With the Violet Gold Pro's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, typists can expect a distinct sound profile that balances crispness with fullness. Similarly, the Gateron Weightlessness delivers a sound that feels rich and deep thanks to its all-nylon housing setup. Therefore, while the aesthetic and auditory results may differ due to the distinct top housing materials, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures that they both provide a satisfying and well-rounded typing experience. This means that users can find enjoyment in each switch despite their unique sound profiles, given that both will provide an engaging tactile experience fostered by the shared bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Violet Gold Pro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference may appeal to users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, making the Violet Gold Pro a potentially more comfortable choice for long periods of use. Both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, so we can't discuss that aspect; however, given their actuation force, the Weightlessness would likely provide a more substantial feel at actuation. Therefore, for those who enjoy a firmer keypress, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the ideal option, whereas the Violet Gold Pro is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Violet Gold Pro the longer option, providing a deeper keypress experience, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker actuation and a more responsive feel, often favored by gamers for enhanced performance. Thus, choosing between these switches boils down to personal preference: if you prefer a more robust tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro would be the better choice, whereas if you lean towards agility and speed, the Weightlessness would suit your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 profile of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Violet Gold Pro is characterized by its neutral sound signature. This means that it produces a moderate sound level that suits a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting, making it versatile for different users. The Weightlessness switch, while its sound characteristics are not as thoroughly detailed, is also known for its balanced sound profile, which suggests that it may not be overly loud or intrusive. Therefore, both switches are likely to offer a pleasant auditory experience without being disruptive, ensuring that users feel comfortable regardless of their surroundings.
In terms of tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro presents a medium level of tactility with a stepped design. This characteristic allows for a two-stage response during keystrokes, providing a mild tactile feedback that is less aggressive than hypertactile switches. It feels good for users who enjoy some tactile distinction without having a jarring bump. The Weightlessness switches also provide a tactile experience, described as subtle to moderate. This suggests that the Weightlessness may offer a more understated tactile feedback compared to the more pronounced feel of the Violet Gold Pro. Overall, users can expect a satisfying tactile sensation from both switches, though the Violet Gold Pro may provide a more noticeable tactile event.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to those seeking a balanced typing experience, though they differ slightly in their tactile feedback and sound profiles. The Violet Gold Pro offers a stepped tactile feel and a neutral sound signature, making it an ideal option for users looking for a moderate response. The Weightlessness, on the other hand, delivers a more subtle tactile sensation alongside its balanced sound. Together, they provide options for users who enjoy tactile feedback, ensuring comfort and satisfaction whether in a quiet home office or a bustling workplace.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you desire a tactile option that feels well-balanced and strikes a harmonious chord between actuation force and sound—making it versatile for both typing at home and in professional environments—the Violet Gold Pro is your go-to choice. Its medium tactility and neutral sound signature provide a satisfying typing experience without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether you're just starting or are an experienced typist. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more subtle tactile feel with an understated sound that doesn't disrupt your workflow, the Gateron Weightlessness is a strong contender. Its subtle to moderate tactility, combined with a balanced sound profile, caters well to those who appreciate a less obtrusive keypress while still benefiting from the tactile feedback that enhances typing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard, whether you seek an engaging feel with the Violet Gold Pro or a more refined experience with the Weightlessness.
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