Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Black, two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, is designed for those seeking a relaxed and tactile typing experience. Crafted with a light operating force of 45g, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the MX Black, a linear switch, is known for its textured smoothness and deep sound profile. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a classic typing experience. While the Crystal Violet provides a creamy and stepped tactile feel, the MX Black offers a low-pitched and textured 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare choice for switch housings but commonly used in keycaps. When typing on switches with ABS housing, the sound profile is relatively low-pitched. In contrast, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on MX Black switches.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches also differ in material composition and resultant sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing, like its top housing, promotes a low-pitched sound profile when typing. Meanwhile, the MX Black's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on MX Black switches.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on typing experience, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the sound when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, while the Crystal Violet and MX Black switches may differ in their housing materials, the resulting typing experience may still exhibit some similarities, particularly when considering the sound profiles at different stages of key pressure.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls within the medium-light range. On the other hand, the MX Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, classifying it as a heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet would be a suitable choice. With a lower actuation and bottom out force, it allows for less pressure to be exerted on the keys, enabling longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. However, individuals who desire a more substantial and deliberate typing feel may opt for the MX Black switch. Its higher actuation and bottom out force provide a stronger push sensation, resulting in a more tactile typing experience.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches differ, they do share certain commonalities depending on the user's typing habits. If one is accustomed to typing lightly and not pressing the keys all the way down, the actuation force becomes more relevant, and both switches' forces are relatively similar. In such cases, users can expect similar results from either switch, but should consider their personal preferences based on the overall weight of the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the lighter Crystal Violet switch and the heavier MX Black switch depends on the individual's typing style, preference for force feedback, and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the measure of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. In terms of travel distance, both switches provide a consistent experience, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which one they choose. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When comparing the subjective qualities of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the sound profile of the Crystal Violet is described as low-pitched and pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, which can be attributed to the rare and special use of ABS in the switch's housings. On the other hand, the MX Black switch also has a low-pitched sound profile that offers a familiar deep sound when typing. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, although the Crystal Violet may be slightly more mellow due to its unique housing material.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is likely due to the application of lubricant at the factory and the specific materials used. Typing on a Crystal Violet switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Additionally, the Crystal Violet is described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the MX Black switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. This can be preferred by some users, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out.
Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities. The Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile when typing. While the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamier and milder feel, the MX Black switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more textured and stiffer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you if you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light operating force that is gentle and comfortable. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that effortlessly melts into each keystroke. Overall, if you value a light and comfortable typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be the perfect choice for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches offer a heavy operating force that requires more pressure to actuate and bottom out. The sound profile of the MX Black switches is low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Unlike the Crystal Violet switches, the MX Black switches have a textured feel that might have noticeable friction when pressed. This can be preferred by some users who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. If you prefer a heavier switch with a mellow sound profile and textured feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as operating force, sound profile, and feel to make an informed decision that will enhance your typing experience.
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