Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs - the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. If you value a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Crystal Violet is the way to go. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. The lower-pitched sound profile, thanks to the rare use of ABS in their housings, creates a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are an avid gamer looking for exceptional gaming performance without breaking the bank, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are your best bet. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. The frosted light diffuser and vibrant RGB lighting enhance the gaming setup, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver differ significantly. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet and G Pro 3.0 Silver also utilize different materials. The Crystal Violet employs an ABS bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with ABS bottom housing results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing. Contrastingly, switches with nylon bottom housing elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver showcase distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housing contribute to a low-pitched sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and deeper sound experience. However, it is important to note that the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch slightly lighter in terms of the force required to press all the way down.
Considering weight, the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel during typing. This additional resistance may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its lighter bottom out force, is ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter force allows for longer typing sessions without excessive strain on the fingers, making it suitable for extended work or gaming sessions.
Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Crystal Violet offers a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet switches are described as having a pleasantly mellow tone that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the rare use of ABS in the switches' housings. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as having a bassy sound profile with a medium-high pitch, adding an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. Both switches offer low-pitched tones, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow sound experience. However, the Crystal Violet switches have a more neutral sound profile compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches, which offer a deeper and richer sound resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches provide a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. They are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with a silky sensation. Additionally, they are mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most individuals. The Crystal Violet switches are also described as stepped switches, which means they offer a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are also described as creamy and buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, further information on the specific feel of these switches is unknown.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are best known for their light operating force and relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. They provide a pleasant and mellow sound profile with a neutral sound character, and their creamy and mild feel ensures a smooth and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are known for their exceptional gaming performance with a shorter travel distance, giving lightning-fast responsiveness. They offer a bassy sound profile with a medium-high pitch and a buttery typing sensation. If you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be a suitable choice. If gaming performance and a shorter travel distance are priorities, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be the more ideal option. Both switches provide creamy and buttery typing experiences, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Everglide Crystal Violet would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, perfect for those seeking a smooth and creamy typing sensation. The Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, they feature ABS housings, adding to their unique and special qualities.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an exceptional gaming experience with an emphasis on speed and responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the way to go. With a light bottom-out force and a shorter travel distance, these linear switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage in gaming. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches also have an exhilarating auditory element, featuring a medium-high pitch that adds to the overall gaming experience. With their value and performance, they are a great option for gamers on a budget.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and intended use. Consider whether you prioritize a relaxed typing experience or a gaming-focused switch with fast response times. Both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver have their unique qualities and strengths that cater to different needs. In the end, choose the switch that aligns with your specific requirements and enhances your overall typing or gaming experience.
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