Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Red. The Crystal Violet offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and tactile typing experience that is gentle and comfortable. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow and low-pitched, making for a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. While the Crystal Violet switch is categorized as 'Creamy', 'Stepped', and 'Neutral', the MX Red switch falls into the categories of 'Thocky', 'Textured', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Red, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features ABS for both the top and bottom housings, which results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the MX Red uses nylon for both housings, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the use of ABS in the Crystal Violet and nylon in the MX Red showcases how material choice can affect the overall typing experience.
Despite using different materials for their top and bottom housings, both the Crystal Violet and the MX Red share similarities in their sound profiles. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet and the nylon top housing of the MX Red both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet and the nylon bottom housing of the MX Red produce a relatively low-pitched sound profile. These similarities highlight how both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with subtle differences in sound and feel.
One key distinction between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry MX Red is the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience. The softer nylon material used in the MX Red's housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS material. This difference in material composition affects how the switches sound and feel when typing, with the MX Red offering a more cushioned typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's ABS material provides a firmer typing feel, highlighting how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the MX Red has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Crystal Violet requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key compared to the MX Red. Some may prefer the Crystal Violet for its slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the MX Red may be more ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of movement from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet tactile switch or the MX Red linear switch, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of key 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a quiet and smooth auditory experience that is soothing to the ears. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is recognized for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone that resonates with each keystroke. While both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, the Crystal Violet leans towards a mellow and subtle sound, while the MX Red delivers a more robust and deep auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a touch of tactility that enhances the keystroke. The MX Red switch, however, is noted for its textured feel, which may provide a bit of friction and feedback when pressed. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Crystal Violet focusing more on a silky and buttery feel, while the MX Red adds a touch of texture for those who enjoy a bit of feedback in their keystrokes.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Violet offers a mellow and gentle typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the MX Red delivers a more robust and textured feel with a deep thocky sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the realm of mechanical keyboard switches will find a switch that suits their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light operating force and a gentle tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a comfortable feel and a mellow sound profile, creating a relaxed typing environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch would be more suitable for you. It provides a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. Consider your preference for operating force, tactile feedback, and sound profile when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best fits your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
