Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew LT, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, is perfect for those who value a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a gentle and comfortable feel, these switches provide a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the rare use of ABS in their housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, a linear switch, stands out with its enticing lilac hue and delivers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on the LT switches is accompanied by a seamless glide with every keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, making them suitable for varied preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew LT differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches with ABS housing. On the other hand, the LT boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, typing on the Gazzew LT will offer a different auditory experience compared to the Crystal Violet.
In terms of bottom housing, the Crystal Violet and the Gazzew LT also display contrasting characteristics. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing is similar to its top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. Conversely, the LT's bottom housing utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend found in its top housing. This implies that the LT's bottom housing will contribute to the rich and deep sound profile associated with the switch. Therefore, pressing down on the Gazzew LT will offer a distinct tactile and auditory experience compared to the Crystal Violet.
When it comes to switch housings, the top and bottom materials significantly influence the overall typing experience. While the Crystal Violet's housing materials provide a consistent low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew LT offers a more nuanced and rich auditory experience. The materials used in the top housing contribute to the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a role in the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a unique sound and feel may prefer the Gazzew LT, while those who enjoy a more consistent and familiar typing experience might opt for the Everglide Crystal Violet.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal Violet features an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light push feel, while the LT's actuation force is unlisted, making it difficult to determine a precise comparison. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience.
Considering weight, which can impact typing endurance, some individuals may favor the Crystal Violet due to its lighter actuation force. This allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the LT may be more desirable.
Although the actuation force of the LT is unknown, it is important to note that if its actuation force is similar to its bottom out force, it would provide a comparable experience to the Crystal Violet's medium-light actuation force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing feel may find similar results with the LT.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a medium-light actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, while the Gazzew LT linear switch boasts a medium-heavy bottom out force with an unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience will dictate which switch is most suitable for individual needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have different travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This shorter distance is favored by gamers who value faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, and prefer the deeper feel of the Crystal Violet switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are best described as having a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched profile. The lower-pitched spectrum creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, which can be attributed to the rare use of ABS in the switch's housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. These switches have a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. Additionally, they are described as thocky, producing a satisfying sound when pressed. The LT switches also fall into the low-pitched spectrum, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy switch describes a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to lubrication applied in the switch factory or specific materials used. The mild characteristic of these switches means they provide a gentle typing experience that most users would find approachable. The Crystal Violet switches are also described as stepped, which means they have a two-stage tactile feel. This means users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a larger bump, such as hypertactile switches.
Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Gazzew LT switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches are ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. They offer a gentle and comfortable feel, described as creamy and mild. The sound profile of these switches is pleasantly mellow and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switches provide a seamless glide with each keystroke. They offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness and fall into the low-pitched, bassy category. While the feel of the LT switches is unknown, their sound suggests a rich and satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of a relaxed and comfortable typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a fantastic choice. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, making them ideal for those seeking a more relaxed typing experience. The Crystal Violet switches also have a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a seamless glide, the Gazzew LT linear switch would be a great option. These switches offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness and provide a satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches and Gazzew LT linear switches boils down to your preference for operating force and sound profile.
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