Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Crystal Violet and Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Violet switch is ideal for those who prefer a light operating force of 45g and a tactile typing experience, with a gentle and comfortable feel. Its sound profile is mellow and low-pitched, creating a non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switch offers a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel with a smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Crystal Violet is categorized as 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Ultimately, when deciding between these two switches, it's important to dive deeper beyond generalities to best determine which switch suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Haimu Neo White, one key difference to note is the material used in the top housing. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for its top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Neo White that sets it apart from the Crystal Violet.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see another contrast between the two switches. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for its bottom housing, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Neo White features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than ABS, creating a duller and rounder sound that differs from the Crystal Violet's sound profile.
In instances where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material are split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a unique combination of characteristics in the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Haimu Neo White, giving users the opportunity to experience different sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the materials used in each part of the switch.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Crystal Violet offers a more medium-light typing experience, while the Neo White provides a medium typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Crystal Violet for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Neo White for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Neo White's 3.6 mm. This means that the Crystal Violet offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Neo White. The Neo White, on the other hand, provides a slightly shallower key press. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Neo White with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is praised for its low-pitched and mellow sound profile, providing a relaxing auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound that is suitable for various typing environments. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet is known for its creamy and mild typing experience, with a stepped tactile feel that adds a unique touch to each keystroke. Similarly, the Neo White also offers a mild typing experience, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Haimu Neo White switches provide pleasant typing experiences with their unique characteristics. While the Crystal Violet is lauded for its low-pitched sound and creamy feel, the Neo White offers a more neutral sound profile and a smooth actuation, creating a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, users can expect similar quality results from both switches, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, then the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be a great choice for you. The low-pitched sound profile and creamy feel of these switches make for a gentle and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation for a satisfying typing feel, the Haimu Neo White switches would be more suitable for you. With a medium weight and a mild typing experience, these switches offer a versatile option for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the Crystal Violet and Neo White switches will depend on your preference for operating force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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