Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch. The crystal violet switch is praised for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic redefines the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, allowing users to enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. While the crystal violet switch is described as creamy, low-pitched, mild, neutral, stepped, the Gateron Melodic is characterized as buttery, resonant, invigorating, crunchy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and 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
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Melodic, we can see that both switches feature a unique combination of materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing offers a more subdued sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic, which provides a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. Additionally, the choice of materials for the bottom housing further distinguishes the switches, with the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing contributing to a low-pitched sound profile, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, while both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Melodic offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they share commonalities in their use of ABS. This results in a consistent low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches featuring ABS, regardless of whether it is used for the top or bottom housing. However, the Melodic's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings provides a more diverse sound experience, with a sharper and crisper top sound and a deeper and fuller bottom sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Melodic, which does not specify a specific actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Crystal Violet is 55 grams, while the Melodic has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Melodic switch provides a more resistant typing experience, requiring a stronger push, while the Crystal Violet offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, with the Crystal Violet being more medium-light and the Melodic being medium in terms of force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. There is no difference in travel distance between the two switches, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow and subtle auditory experience that is gentle on the ears. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound, providing a higher-pitched and more immersive typing sound reminiscent of stepping on crispy autumn leaves. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound, with the Crystal Violet providing a more relaxed and smooth typing experience, while the Melodic offers a more vibrant and attention-grabbing auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile bump. The Gateron Melodic switch, on the other hand, is characterized as buttery and invigorating, providing a more pronounced feedback with a snappy and reactive feel during typing. Again, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the Crystal Violet offering a more relaxed and easy-going typing experience, while the Melodic delivers a more dynamic and engaging feel with each keystroke.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its low-pitched sound profile and smooth, mild feel. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its vibrant and resonant sound, coupled with a buttery and invigorating typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important for newcomers to consider their sound and feel preferences when choosing between the two. Ultimately, no matter which switch is chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their individual tastes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, then the Crystal Violet switch with its medium-light bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a classic clicky sound with a crisp and crunchy feel, along with a medium bottom out force, then the Gateron Melodic switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, consider your typing style, preferences, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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