Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Jupiter Red stand out as popular options for enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its tactile feel, providing a light operating force of 45g for a relaxed and stepped typing experience. With a mellow and low-pitched sound profile due to the use of ABS in its housing, it offers a gentle and comfortable feel for those who enjoy a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a linear switch option with a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, featuring a medium-heavy actuation for a consistent typing experience. Known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red is preferred by those looking for a seamless typing experience. 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
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Jupiter Red, we see that both switches feature unique materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile, while the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet yields a similar low-pitched sound, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
While the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Jupiter Red both have distinct top and bottom housing materials, they offer contrasting sound profiles. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet gives a low-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Red produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound. Similarly, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to a low-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red creates a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a keyboard switch.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance of a keyboard switch. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Gateron Jupiter Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Conversely, the opaque ABS housing of the Everglide Crystal Violet may not allow for as vibrant RGB lighting effects. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Crystal Violet providing a softer, more muted sound compared to the sharper, crisper sound of the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when comparing their bottom out forces, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams, while the Jupiter Red demands 60 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet is lighter overall, as it requires less force to fully press a key compared to the Jupiter Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Crystal Violet may be the better option. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming, as the distance they travel from the top to the bottom is identical. The travel distance of both switches being equal ensures that users will get consistent feedback and comfort while using either switch. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Jupiter Red, you can expect a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying tactile feel.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone that is gentle on the ears, making for a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing scenarios. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switch is polished and creamy, providing a sleek and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, with the Crystal Violet focusing on a light and tactile feel, while the Jupiter Red prioritizes smooth and consistent keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both options provide high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, you should keep in mind the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter operating force and a relaxed tactile typing experience with a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, then the Crystal Violet switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent linear typing experience with a medium actuation force and high-precision molds, then the Jupiter Red switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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