Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Mini i are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Crystal Violet is known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a pleasantly mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches offer gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, making them ideal for office-centric keyboard setups. While the Crystal Violet switches are categorized as 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Mild', the Mini i switches are described as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Snappy'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that both switches have top housings made of different materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is known for its relatively low-pitched sound profile, while the Mini i boasts a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This difference in materials translates to a variation in sound experience for users of these switches. However, both materials have their own unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, we find a similar pattern of material distinction. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing offers a low-pitched sound profile, similar to its ABS top housing. On the other hand, the Mini i's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, mirroring the effect of its nylon top housing. This consistency in material properties throughout the housing of each switch ensures a cohesive sound profile that is specific to the type of plastic used in its construction.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience for users. While the Crystal Violet and the Mini i feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the unique qualities of ABS and nylon plastics shine through, creating distinctive sound profiles for each switch. Whether it's the sharper, low-pitched sound of ABS or the softer, fuller sound of nylon, both materials offer their own advantages and contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches they are used in.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option while the Crystal Violet is the heavier option. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light feel. In contrast, the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a lighter typing experience. Both switches fall within the light to medium-light range, making them suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether a user prefers a slightly heavier or lighter feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Crystal Violet offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Mini i provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer a balance between shallow and traditional travel distances, allowing users to find the option that best suits their preferences. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a longer, more satisfying keypress or a quicker response time.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Mini i switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The Crystal Violet leans towards a low-pitched spectrum, offering a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience due to the special use of ABS in its housing, while the Mini i strikes a balance with a fairly muted sound that still provides satisfying feedback during typing. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet is described as providing a creamy and mild typing experience with stepped tactile feedback, offering a smooth and gentle sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel that is responsive and low-impact, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Both switches fall into the mild category, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without being too pronounced in their characteristics. Additionally, the Mini i switch is described as snappy and subtle, providing extra responsiveness and gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gateron Mini i tactile switches offer slightly different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience. Whether you prefer a mellow and creamy typing feel with stepped feedback from the Crystal Violet or a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation with subtle and snappy feedback from the Mini i, both switches cater to individuals looking for a tactile typing experience without sacrificing comfort or performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Mini i tactile switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and creamy, stepped tactile feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switches could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Mentioned in this article
