TTC Neptune vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure that provides a unique typing experience, combining a smooth glide with a springy resistance that feels like indulging in chewy delicacies. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro boasts a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound, making it a versatile option for those looking for a balanced typing feel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing properties. The POM top housing of the Neptune creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Violet Gold Pro is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches boast unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer contrasting materials with different effects on sound. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between these materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound experience. While the Neptune emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Violet Gold Pro prioritizes a fuller and rounder sound quality.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. The qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings, with each contributing to different aspects of the 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, the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique characteristics that cater to diverse preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Neptune has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. The difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Neptune, while those who prefer a slightly firmer push feel may prefer the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out force can impact typing comfort and fatigue levels for users during extended typing sessions. Despite the slight variation in forces, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of typing feedback and responsiveness.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same level of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience. The similarity in travel distance between the Neptune and the Violet Gold Pro ensures that users can expect a similar key press feeling when using either switch. This makes them both ideal choices for those who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, subdued, and thocky characteristics, creating a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, ideal for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches provide a pleasant sound output that caters to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the chosen option.
In terms of feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch is celebrated for its buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished attributes, delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation that is both luxurious and satisfying. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a stepped feel, offering a tactile response with distinct stages during the keystroke. While the Neptune focuses on a seamless and uniform typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro adds a subtle tactile feedback that enhances the typing feedback for users who prefer a bit of physical interaction with each key press.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch each offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Neptune stands out for its refined sound profile and buttery feel, the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced sound output and a stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Neptune linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its unique "matte" feel and muted sound signature make typing a textured pleasure, while the low-pitched and neutral sound profile adds to its refined ambiance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. The Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced typing experience with a stepped feel that distinguishes it from other tactile switches. Ultimately, your decision would depend on whether you prioritize a smooth and light typing feel or a balanced tactile experience in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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