Kailh Box Jade vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch. Each switch offers its unique advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps add an invigorating sensation to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches provide a lighter operating force of 45g, making them ideal for those looking for a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, with a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The use of ABS material in their housings further contributes to their unique character. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make a more informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches differ significantly. The Box Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates more clearly, making it ideal for users seeking a vibrant and resonant typing experience. Conversely, the Crystal Violet employs an ABS top housing, which tends to produce a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. ABS is less commonly used in switch housings, but its distinctive sound profile may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more subdued auditory feedback.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Jade incorporates a nylon material known for its classic switch housing characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing that aligns with its top housing. This ABS material also lends itself to a relatively low-pitched sound profile, providing consistency in the overall auditory experience of the Crystal Violet switch.
In terms of the impact on typing experience, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing affects the sound created when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect distinct characteristics in both switches based on their housing materials. However, if one were to prefer a similar outcome in terms of sound and feel, opting for the Crystal Violet with its matching ABS top and bottom housing would provide a consistent low-pitched sound profile throughout the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are a few noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Crystal Violet's 45 grams. This means that it requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke on the Box Jade. However, both switches fall within the medium force range.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade once again has a slightly higher force of 60 grams compared to the Crystal Violet's 55 grams. This means that it requires a slightly heavier press to fully bottom out the keystroke on the Box Jade.
However, it is worth mentioning that the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches are relatively minor. Both switches provide a medium or medium-light typing experience, making them suitable for various typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel and don't mind the slightly heavier forces, the Box Jade could be a good choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Crystal Violet falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Box Jade is on the shallow end. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade. Its shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, resulting in a more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press and a greater sense of depth may lean towards the Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance. The longer distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched and crunchy sound, the Box Jade is the way to go. If you prefer a lower-pitched and more neutral sound, the Crystal Violet will provide a pleasant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is described as accented and invigorating. These switches offer a medium amount of tactile feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a pronounced and reactive feel. Typing on these switches feels immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience. These switches are smooth and buttery, offering a silky sensation when typing. They fall in the safe middle-ground zone of mechanical keyboard switches, providing a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most. Additionally, these switches have a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding an extra layer of tactility. Overall, if you prefer a more invigorating and pronounced tactile experience, the Box Jade is a suitable choice. If you prefer a creamy and mild typing experience with a stepped feel, the Crystal Violet will provide a comfortable and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities while still providing a satisfying typing experience. The Box Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound profile and an invigorating tactile feel. It is best suited for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound and a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile. It is ideal for those seeking a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a lower-pitched sound. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the crisp and invigorating experience of the Box Jade or the creamy and mild typing experience of the Crystal Violet.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. You will enjoy the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing on them. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a lighter operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are the way to go. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, with a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Jade and Crystal Violet switches depends on your preference for typing force, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
