Dareu Violet Gold Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai stand out as excellent options to consider. The Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a great choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral', the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics, especially when using RGB lighting.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Violet Gold Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai play a crucial role in the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This difference results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch with a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. The bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch. The difference in actuation force means that the Violet Gold Pro will require more pressure to register a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Xinhai may be preferred by users who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, with the Xinhai being the shorter of the two. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Xinhai due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Its moderate actuation force requirement results in a moderate sound, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch boasts a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. This distinct sound profile is achieved through the unique materials used in its construction, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the sound quality of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a stepped tactile experience. This means that users will feel a two-stage tactile feedback, with a mild bump sensation that distinguishes it from more intense hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy feedback gives a spring-like sensation with lively rebound when keys are pressed, while the creamy typing experience offers a smooth and buttery feel that enhances typing comfort. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, providing users with varied typing experiences. The neutral sound of the Violet Gold Pro contrasts with the clacky sound of the Xinhai, while the stepped feel of the former differs from the bouncy and creamy sensations of the latter. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, typing feel, and overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Violet Gold Pro or the Xinhai, users can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances their typing performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you are looking for a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
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