Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch. The Crystal Violet switch is praised for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience that is gentle and comfortable. Known for its mellow and low-pitched sound profile, this switch offers a subtle auditory experience due to the special use of ABS in its housing. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. While the Crystal Violet switch is categorized as creamy, low-pitched, mild, neutral, and stepped, the Mahjong switch falls into the bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished category. These general points can guide your decision; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Mahjong, we can see a clear distinction between the ABS used in the Crystal Violet and the POK used in the Mahjong. While ABS is relatively rare in switch housings, it provides a low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, POK is known for its smoothness and durability, making switches made with this material smooth, clacky, and long-lasting. The differences in material lead to different typing experiences for users of each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the ABS used in the Crystal Violet offers a similar low-pitched sound profile as in the top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more distinct sound produced by the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Mahjong, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences of users. While the Crystal Violet may provide a lower-pitched sound profile with its ABS housing, the Mahjong offers a smoother and more durable typing experience with its POK and nylon material combination. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Mahjong, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Crystal Violet offers a medium-light feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Mahjong's force remains undisclosed. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Crystal Violet would be the better choice, while those who desire a heavier push feel may prefer the Mahjong, assuming it has a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of the keys plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and user preference.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Dareu Mahjong linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Crystal Violet provides a more traditional key press feel with its longer travel distance, while the Mahjong offers a faster and more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Mahjong for its quicker response time, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 praised for its low-pitched sound profile, which offers a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various settings. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switch is known for its creamy and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and gentle feel with a stepped tactile sensation. In contrast, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and polished feel, giving users a lively feedback sensation with a smooth and refined typing experience. Overall, while the Crystal Violet and Mahjong switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both can provide a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding sound pitch, typing feel, and overall tactile experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet switch with its 45g operating force and creamy, mild, and stepped feel might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and bouncy typing experience with a polished finish and a neutral sound profile, the Mahjong switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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