Everglide Crystal Violet vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but they each possess unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile feel, the Crystal Violet is the perfect choice for you. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches produce a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, enhanced by the rare use of ABS in the switches' housings. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches offer a soft and seductive tactility that appeals to those who prefer a gentler typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, these switches provide a satisfying and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch to suit your personal preference and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in terms of their composition. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This ABS material provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches, common for ABS keycaps. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material. The nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of these switches differ as well. The Crystal Violet employs an ABS bottom housing, again a relatively uncommon choice for switch housings. The ABS material contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which, like the top housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that when both housings differ, their specific qualities are split between the top and bottom portions of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the Crystal Violet and the Meteor Orange may exhibit distinct characteristics due to their housing materials, their overall performance may still yield similar results in certain aspects, such as the sound profile during keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are a few notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Crystal Violet requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the Meteor Orange is unknown. This means that if a lighter actuation force is desired, the Crystal Violet would be the preferred choice. However, both switches have a bottom out force of around 55-57 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, both switches provide a similar level of resistance.
Weight is an important factor to consider as it affects the overall typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches may find it advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces. While the Crystal Violet is lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches have a comparable bottom out force, so the typing experience in terms of resistance would be similar. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences regarding actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is equal, as both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Meteor Orange, you can expect similar results in terms of the switch's 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have some similarities and differences in terms of sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Crystal Violet switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, but also being "thocky," meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most purposes.
Moving on to feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy attribute refers to a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristic means that these switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Crystal Violet switches are considered stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are also described as offering a mild typing experience, which ensures that the sound and feel will be approachable for most users. Additionally, they are considered polished switches, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, mild, and stepped feel. The Meteor Orange switches have a neutral sound profile, but also have a thocky characteristic, and a mild and polished feel. Overall, both switches offer a gentle and comfortable typing experience, with the Crystal Violet switches being slightly more mellow in sound and having a unique stepped feel. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, either switch can provide satisfactory results depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, along with a pleasant mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an excellent choice. The Crystal Violet switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, and offer a gentle and comfortable feel with their creamy and mild characteristics. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a soft and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile that can also produce a deep and satisfying thocky sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be the ideal option. The Meteor Orange switches have a bottom out force of 57 grams, also medium-light, and provide a mild typing experience with its polished characteristic. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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