Dareu Violet Gold Pro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a fascinating comparison of tactile and linear experiences. The Violet Gold Pro excels as a tactile switch, delivering a medium tactility that strikes an ideal balance for typists who appreciate feedback without being overwhelmed. Its fairly light touch and neutral sound signature make it an appealing option for users seeking a comfortable, versatile typing experience that won’t disrupt a quiet environment. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a heavier actuation, which enhances precision for gamers and typists alike. Crafted with a unique PA12 top housing, it provides a softer acoustic profile while the POM stem contributes to its distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, catering to those who favor a smooth and silent keystroke. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or the seamless glide of a linear switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch aligns with your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials that significantly influence the sound profile of each switch. The Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This property enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it well-suited for RGB lighting due to its transparent design. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) sports a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is comparatively softer, it tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Violet Gold Pro excels in delivering brightness and clarity, the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes warmth and depth in its sound output.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a uniformity in the tactile experience they offer. This shared material is known for absorbing sound, leading to a similar sensation in terms of typing feel and bottom-out sound between the two switches. Consequently, the impact of the bottom housing on sound characteristics—being responsible for the lower frequencies and tactile feedback—remains consistent across both models. In this regard, users can expect a fuller feel and sound when actuating keys on either switch, ensuring that both options deliver a satisfying typing experience, despite their different top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) leaves a distinctive mark on their sound and feel. The Violet Gold Pro’s polycarbonate top promotes a brighter sound, while its nylon bottom complements that with a rounded fullness, making it a versatile option for a variety of user preferences. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more unified auditory experience with its nylon top and bottom, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a deeper sound profile. Regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer compelling experiences rooted in their nylon bottom housings, ensuring that users will achieve similarly gratifying results when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying preferences in typing feel and experience. The Violet Gold Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it the lighter option, ideal for users who favor a less strenuous touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for tactile feedback. Additionally, the Xinhai switch has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a moderate resistance when fully depressing the key. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. Overall, if you gravitate towards a lighter switch for comfort, the Violet Gold Pro is the better choice, while those who favor a heavier and more tactile experience should opt for the Xinhai (Heavy) switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Violet Gold Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Violet Gold Pro, you will experience a more pronounced keypress, which can feel more satisfying and provide a sense of depth that some users prefer. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feedback. Ultimately, those who appreciate a more tactile experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, whereas those who favor speed and responsiveness may find the Xinhai (Heavy) to be the better choice.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 signature characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of environments—be it at home or in a professional setting. This balanced auditory experience allows it to cater to both beginners and advanced users alike, ensuring that the typing sounds are non-intrusive yet satisfying. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the overall sound characteristics will depend not only on the switch itself but also on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with the switch.
In terms of feel, the Violet Gold Pro is designed with a medium tactility that provides a stepped switch experience. This means users can appreciate a two-stage feel during their keystrokes, allowing for a nuanced typing experience with a mild tactile bump. The pre-travel and post-travel sensations contribute to a thoughtful engagement with each keypress. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified; thus, it's difficult to directly compare its tactile feedback with that of the Violet Gold Pro.
In conclusion, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is a versatile option for those seeking a balanced and neutral typing experience with a pleasant tactile feedback, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) holds potential in offering a different feel and sound, although specifics remain unknown. For those who appreciate a tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro provides a reliable, pleasing feel, whereas the Xinhai's heavier variant promises a sophisticated performance that may appeal to a different subset of users, albeit without clear comparative metrics. Each switch can deliver unique typing experiences depending on individual preferences, ensuring a rewarding journey into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a typing experience that balances tactility with a lighter touch, the Violet Gold Pro is an excellent option. Its medium tactility and neutral sound make it suitable for both work and casual gaming, allowing you to type comfortably without distracting noise. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a heavier bottom-out force and more acoustic nuance in your keystrokes, the Xinhai (Heavy) would likely serve you better. This switch's unique design offers a sophisticated sound profile along with a more substantial feel that can be satisfying for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages: the Violet Gold Pro for its versatile usability and the Xinhai (Heavy) for its rich acoustic and tactile feedback.
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