Dareu Violet Gold Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that provides a medium level of tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for those looking for a well-balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion is a linear switch featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing that delivers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience with a polished sound profile. While the Violet Gold Pro offers a "Goldilocks" tactile option, the WS Onion provides a satisfying and smooth typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in both the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are quite similar, with both keyboards featuring polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as providing a translucency that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This material brings a clear and resonant sound to both keyboards, making them great options for those looking for a distinct sound experience. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings of both keyboards offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both keyboards share similar housing materials, the way these materials are utilized results in slightly different sound experiences. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press. This means that typing on the Violet Gold Pro may feel slightly different than typing on the WS Onion due to the differences in their bottom housing materials. On the other hand, the top housing material, which in this case is polycarbonate for both keyboards, will affect the sound when releasing a key, providing a consistent crisp and clear sound profile for both keyboards.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the way these materials are utilized can result in slightly different typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, both keyboards offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences, making them both great options for those looking for high-quality mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. When it comes to bottom out force, the WS Onion requires 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, with its lower actuation force. In contrast, users looking for a more substantial typing experience might opt for the WS Onion with its higher bottom out force. Both switches offer different experiences based on the force required for keystrokes, but individuals can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance depending on their preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro for faster keystrokes, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the WS Onion. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer a neutral profile, making them versatile options suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Gold Pro provides a medium tactility with a light touch, while the WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Sound is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches can deliver similar results depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is characterized as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a two-stage keypress experience with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offers a buttery and polished sensation, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying keystroke feel, with the Gold Pro offering a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the smoothness of the Onion.
Overall, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a medium tactile switch with a stepped feel like the Gold Pro or a buttery smooth linear experience like the WS Onion, both switches offer a balanced typing experience with neutral sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of tactility and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you should opt for the Violet Gold Pro if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, making it a great all-around option for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a crisp and responsive typing experience, the WS Onion would be the ideal choice with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
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