Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The Crystal Violet switch is well-known for its light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, providing a pleasantly mellow auditory experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White is a budget-friendly switch designed for delicate typists. With an actuation force of only 38g, it ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and its medium-high pitch offers satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White differ significantly. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare material to be used in switch housings. Typing on switches with ABS top housing produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White has a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more distinct and vibrant sound experience compared to the Crystal Violet.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Crystal Violet and the G Pro 3.0 White differ. Both switches feature ABS bottom housing, which is again a relatively uncommon material for switch housings. As a result, typing on switches with ABS bottom housing produces a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to ABS. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more resonant and well-rounded typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound.
In terms of overall sound experience, the top housing material has a more significant impact when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel. The Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housing contribute to a relatively low-pitched and consistent sound profile throughout typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White with its polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper letting-go sound, complemented by the deeper and fuller bottom-out sound created by the nylon bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience; they achieve similar results in terms of tactility and keypress sound, albeit with distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 38 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet is heavier with 55 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 45 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a stronger push to fully depress the key compared to the G Pro 3.0 White. Both switches fall within the range of medium-light to light forces, which would be suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, if one prefers a heavier typing feel, the Crystal Violet would be the better option due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the weight of these switches is worth considering based on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Crystal Violet being slightly heavier and the G Pro 3.0 White being slightly lighter.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and key press experience. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the G Pro 3.0 White, you can expect a consistent and controlled travel distance of 4 mm.
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 White 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 White 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 tactile switch is best described as having a low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that the sound produced is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. However, the G Pro 3.0 White switch also has a subdued sound profile, which means that it produces a dampened and more subtle sound when compared to most switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a creamy typing experience. This means that they offer a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switches. Both switches also fall under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, the Crystal Violet switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives a more mild tactile feedback compared to switches with a pronounced bump. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also labeled as easy-to-press and feathery, indicating that it has a low actuation force and requires minimal exertion from the fingers. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have different subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile. It provides a creamy and mild typing feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White offers an effortless and sensitive typing experience with a clacky and subdued sound profile. It also provides a creamy and feathery typing feel. Both switches offer a premium typing experience but cater to different preferences. If you prefer a more tactile and mellow experience, the Crystal Violet will suit you. If you prefer a linear switch with a snappier sound and a lighter typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is the better choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly light actuation force and a linear switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is the way to go. With its budget-friendly price and frosted light diffuser, these switches provide a satisfying typing feel and brighter RGB lighting. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Whether you seek a relaxed tactile experience or a light linear experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing or gaming sessions.
Mentioned in this article
