Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, a linear switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, you'll find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a polished, high-pitched, and creamy typing experience with a resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a Goldilocks option for those seeking a balanced typing feel. Both switches have their unique strengths, offering users options based on their specific 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Although both switches share this feature, the difference in their bottom housing material may influence the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. While the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, their nylon bottom housing provides a contrasting typing experience, with nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users may gravitate towards one switch over the other based on the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is heavier compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams of actuation force and 67 grams of bottom out force, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches offers distinct typing experiences. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the G Pro 3.0 being slightly longer than the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time that comes with the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the G Pro 3.0. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect comparable results from both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is noted for its polished and creamy sensation, giving users a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is described as having a stepped feel, providing a tactile response that feels more moderate compared to hyper-tactile switches. Each switch offers a unique tactile feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch excels in providing a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a specific auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a balanced and neutral sound profile along with a medium tactility, making it an ideal choice for users looking for a versatile and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Violet Gold Pro, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a higher pitched clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound signature, a fairly light touch, and medium tactility, the Violet Gold Pro may be your ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. So, whether you favor polished and creamy switches with a smoother typing experience or stepped tactile switches with a balanced feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Consider your typing habits and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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