Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a linear switch known for its smooth downstroke and pleasing clack, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch offering medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience. Both switches have their unique appeal, but diving deeper beyond generalities will allow you to determine the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 creates a satisfying clacky sound that is relatively high-pitched. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both materials offer a thin and higher-pitched sound, the polycarbonate material of the Violet Gold Pro is favored for its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
In terms of the bottom housing, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 also contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. These differences in material composition for the bottom housing can affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. While the Ink Black V2 has a more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the Nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro creates a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. Whether it be the INK blend or polycarbonate of the top housing, or the INK blend or nylon of the bottom housing, each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. While the Ink Black V2 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro have different housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, whether one prefers a clacky, high-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound will depend on the housing material chosen for their switch.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 also requires more pressure at 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This means that the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option between the two. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Black V2. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference, with the lighter force allowing for longer typing sessions and the heavier force providing a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Violet Gold Pro slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. A difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Ink Black V2. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, providing a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving a deep and rich tone during key presses with a hint of chirpiness. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, these descriptions give a general idea of the auditory experience each switch offers.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel offers a gentle typing sensation that most users find approachable, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is noted for its stepped feel, which gives a mild tactility with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. This unique sensation may appeal to users who prefer a more nuanced typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Black V2 provides a bassy and smooth downstroke with a rich clack sound, the Violet Gold Pro offers a fairly light touch with a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired keyboarding experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but individuals looking for a specific sound or feel may lean towards one over the other.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you prefer a smooth downstroke with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile, the Ink Black V2 may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, along with a bottom out force that is undisclosed, the Violet Gold Pro could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a linear or tactile typing experience.
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