Everglide Crystal Violet vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and PH Studio Jacaranda stand out as top contenders. The Crystal Violet offers a tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, perfect for those looking for a relaxed and gentle feel while typing. In contrast, the Jacaranda provides a linear typing experience with a bottom-out force of 43.5g, ensuring fatigue-free typing with its bouncy sensation and crisp feedback. The Crystal Violet's sound profile is described as creamy and low-pitched, while the Jacaranda leans towards the clacky side with a high-pitched and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
39g
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the PH Studio Jacaranda, we can see that they both use different materials for their top housing. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Jacaranda's top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet and Jacaranda differ once again. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing gives a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the ABS material used in the Crystal Violet.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Crystal Violet and the Jacaranda showcase unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing choices. While the Crystal Violet provides a lower-pitched sound overall due to its ABS top and bottom housings, the Jacaranda offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. These variations in materials highlight how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch, catering to different preferences and preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is clear that the Jacaranda switch is lighter in both aspects. The Crystal Violet requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-light feel. On the other hand, the Jacaranda only needs 39 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a light switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Jacaranda would be the ideal choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Crystal Violet may be more suitable. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in dictating the typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Crystal Violet offers a longer travel distance, providing a more traditional and deeper press when compared to the shallower Jacaranda. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Violet. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, making it suitable for various typing environments without being too intrusive. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and crisp feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the mellow tones of the Crystal Violet or the more vibrant sound of the Jacaranda to enhance their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch provides a creamy and mild typing sensation, with a stepped tactile feedback that offers a smooth and gentle keystroke experience. Conversely, the Jacaranda switch offers a silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Whether users prefer a more buttery feel with the Crystal Violet or a silky smooth sensation with the Jacaranda, both switches aim to reduce typing fatigue and enhance overall comfort during extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the Crystal Violet and Jacaranda switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both seek to provide users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Those looking for a relaxed and mellow typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Violet, while users seeking a crisp and bouncy feel may prefer the unique characteristics of the Jacaranda. Ultimately, both switches offer quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that can elevate any keyboard setup to new heights.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a medium-light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an excellent choice. The mellow sound profile and creamy feel of these switches make them ideal for a relaxing and stepped tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter operating force and a unique bouncy sensation in each keystroke, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch would be the better option. With a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the Jacaranda switch stands out for its distinct characteristics and fatigue-free typing. Ultimately, your choice between the Crystal Violet and Jacaranda switches will depend on your preference for operating force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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