Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the tactile switch category, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality design, providing a gentle tactile bump that enhances typing without being overpowering. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser ensures that RGB lighting shines brightly for an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound, appealing to those looking for a balanced typing sensation. While each switch has its strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when deciding between the two. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities from both switches.
However, the housing materials of the two switches differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Despite the difference in their top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase a mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and aesthetics. While their polycarbonate top housings provide a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether it's the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches offer a balanced combination of materials to cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Brown is 63 grams, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces may result in a more substantial typing experience for users of the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches offer different weight options, appealing to users with varying preferences for typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the heavier option, providing a medium actuation and bottom out force, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force, with the bottom out force being unknown.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial feeling under their fingers may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with one being slightly shorter and the other slightly longer, catering to individual preferences for key press feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience with an extra layer of joy. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer pleasant sound characteristics that are unlikely to be overly disruptive to those around you. This means that regardless of your choice between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Violet Gold Pro, you can expect a similar sound experience that caters to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is characterized by an easy-to-press sensation, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, satisfying most users with its approachable qualities. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch also offers a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This gives users a nuanced typing feel that adds a layer of sophistication to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the easy-to-press nature of the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the stepped feel of the Violet Gold Pro, both switches deliver on comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its medium-high pitch sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Violet Gold Pro excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that enhances your overall productivity and enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches offer a high level of quality and performance that are sure to please newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force with a subtle tactile bump and medium-high pitch for auditory feedback, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light touch, balanced tactility, and a neutral sound profile, then the Violet Gold Pro could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects of typing experience are most important to you when making your decision.
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