HMX Canglan V2 vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Jerrzi Violet often hinges on user preferences for feel and sound profile. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear characteristics, providing a smooth and luxurious typing experience, accompanied by a deep sound signature that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a blend of tactility and silence. Its silicone-like feel adds a silky touch, making it an excellent choice for those who favor fluid key presses without the disruption of a click. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a gentle tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience through a pleasing pop on actuation. With their neutral sound signature, the Violets cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation without excessive noise, making them perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, appealing to different sensibilities—be it the smooth, deep thock of the Canglan V2 or the satisfying, tactile feedback of the Violets. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Canglan V2 and the Jerrzi Violet showcase distinct comparisons in their top housing materials, with the Canglan V2 featuring a nylon top housing and the Violet utilizing polycarbonate. The Canglan V2's nylon material provides a softer, more muted sound profile, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This is due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties, which prevent sound waves from reverberating excessively, resulting in a duller sound. In contrast, the Violet's polycarbonate top housing yields a sharper and more resonant acoustic profile, as the stiffer plastic allows sound waves to travel more freely, producing higher-pitched tones. Consequently, while both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, the choice between them will largely depend on whether the user prefers a warmer or more vibrant sound profile.
Both the Canglan V2 and Jerrzi Violet have nylon bottom housings, which adds a layer of similarity to their construction. The nylon in the bottom housing of both switches also contributes to a richer, deeper sound profile. This shared component ensures that when typing on either switch, the impact of the downstroke—known as the bottom-out sound—will resonate similarly, giving users a satisfying tactile feedback. In this way, despite their differing top housing materials, both switches achieve a comparable auditory experience when pressed, benefitting from nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings leads to a unique sound signature in each switch. For the Canglan V2, the soft nylon top offers a warmer sound while the nylon bottom provides the same depth of experience, leading to a cohesive auditory quality. On the other hand, the Violet’s polycarbonate top introduces a crisper sound that contrasts with its nylon bottom, ensuring a more dynamic sound landscape. Therefore, while the Canglan V2 and Jerrzi Violet might produce different auditory characteristics due to their top housings, they also exhibit commonalities through their nylon bottom housings, allowing for a rich and satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force. The Canglan V2 has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, while the bottom out force for the Canglan V2 is 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Violet switch remains unknown. As a result, we cannot make a direct comparison regarding the bottom out forces. Overall, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, while the Violet is heavier, offering distinct experiences to cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it's clear that they differ slightly; the Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Violet comes in at 3.7 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be particularly appealing to gamers looking for quick actuation. In contrast, the Violet's longer travel distance might cater to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience, offering a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness versus tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky profile that produces a deep, resonant tone with each keystroke. This thocky quality evokes a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released, making it particularly gratifying for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature, striking a balance that is well-suited for both casual and professional settings. While it produces a moderate sound profile, it does not provide the same depth or richness as the Canglan V2, allowing for a quieter typing experience that remains effective without drawing significant attention.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 stands out with its silky, feathery, and bouncy characteristics, creating an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users will find that the light actuation force required for these switches minimizes finger strain during prolonged use, making them comfortable for a variety of tasks, from gaming to everyday typing. Additionally, the bouncy feedback adds a lively sensation, enhancing the overall engagement with the keyboard. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a stepped tactile feel, with a distinct two-stage actuation that provides a mild yet noticeable tactility. This characteristic may appeal to those who prefer a more nuanced typing experience, though it lacks the smoothness and spring-like bounce found in the Canglan V2.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Jerrzi Violet switches cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Canglan V2 excels in producing an enjoyable and profound auditory experience alongside a light and smooth tactile feedback, while the Violet offers a balanced, neutral sound with a gentle tactile bump that is ideal for a variety of use cases. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a rich sound and silky feel or a more moderate sound coupled with a subtle tactile sensation. Each switch brings its unique advantages, ensuring that both types can deliver satisfying results based on personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a light, smooth, and silent typing experience, particularly in environments where sound may be a concern, the Canglan V2 is clearly the better option for you. Its thocky sound profile enhances your feedback during both casual typing and intense gaming, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more tactile feedback as you type and enjoy the sensation of a "bump" with each keystroke, the Jerrzi Violet may be your ideal choice. This switch's gentle tactile response and neutral sound signature make it versatile for both work and gameplay, appealing to users who appreciate a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the lightweight, silky feel of the Canglan V2 or the stepped tactile pleasure of the Violet will shape your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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