Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is tailored for quiet environments like the office, providing a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, making it perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a light operating force of 45g, ideal for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, with a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Crystal Violet, we see a stark contrast in the materials used. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile during typing. This difference in material leads to distinct sound profiles when using the two switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we find a similar contrast between the Aliaz and the Crystal Violet. The Aliaz once again employs polycarbonate, enhancing the sharp and crisp sound profile of the switch. In contrast, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, contributing to a different sound profile with a lower pitch. These contrasting materials in the bottom housing further highlight the difference in sound produced by each switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. While the Aliaz showcases the benefits of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, resulting in a clearer and resonant sound profile, the Crystal Violet's combination of ABS materials leads to a unique low-pitched sound profile. Whether choosing the Aliaz with its polycarbonate housing or the Crystal Violet with its ABS housing, users can expect distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing on these switches.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams compared to the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Aliaz switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a lighter touch that may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar feel and feedback when pressed down on a key. The travel distance plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, as it impacts the overall comfort and responsiveness of the switch. While some switches may have shorter or longer travel distances, both the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Crystal Violet offer the same amount of travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch offers a low-pitched sound that leans towards the bass-heavy and mellow end of the spectrum. Both switches are designed to minimize noise, with the Aliaz offering a more subtle auditory experience and the Crystal Violet providing a neutral sound suitable for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced resistance during key presses. In contrast, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is known for its creamy sensation, providing a smooth and buttery feel reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across the keys. The Crystal Violet switch also features a stepped tactile feel, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz provides a silent and substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback without the noise. Alternatively, the Crystal Violet switch offers a light operating force with a mellow sound profile and a gentle tactile feel, perfect for users seeking a relaxed typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Crystal Violet switches, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy key feel with a muted sound profile, the Aliaz switches would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter operating force, a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, and a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Crystal Violet switches may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of weight, sound, and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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