Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry Nixie are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It has a mellow sound profile with lower-pitched tones, making it a subtle and comfortable option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch known for its substantial heft and textured typing feel. With updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update, the Nixie blends tradition with modern innovation, offering a thocky and low-pitched typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a creamy and mild tactile feel with the Crystal Violet or a textured and substantial typing experience with the Cherry Nixie. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry Nixie, we see that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features ABS for both the top and bottom housings, while the Nixie uses nylon for both. Despite this difference, they both provide a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing due to the characteristics of their respective housing materials. The ABS and nylon materials create a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other switch housing materials.
However, the choice of housing materials in the Crystal Violet and Cherry Nixie does have its distinctions. ABS, although commonly used in keycaps, remains relatively rare in switch housings. On the other hand, nylon is considered a classic switch housing material. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This gives the Nixie a distinct advantage in sound quality over the Crystal Violet, as the nylon housing provides a more satisfying typing experience with its deeper sound profile.
Ultimately, the differences between the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Cherry Nixie contribute to their unique typing experiences. While both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing provides a slightly different sound compared to the Nixie's nylon housing. Both switches excel in their own right, with the Crystal Violet offering a rare ABS housing option and the Nixie providing a classic nylon housing experience. Whether you prefer the slightly sharper sound of ABS or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches deliver on quality and performance in their own distinct ways.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch. The Crystal Violet requires 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Nixie needs 63.5 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a heavy switch. This means that the Crystal Violet will provide a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended use, while the Nixie will offer a more substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. Overall, 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 Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, users will feel the same amount of distance traveled. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they both offer a consistent experience. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and actuation feel.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Crystal Violet may be more suited for those who enjoy a softer and more subdued sound, while the Nixie may cater to individuals who prefer a richer and more pronounced typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy, mild, and stepped tactile typing experience, promoting a smooth and gentle sensation with a subtle two-stage tactile feel. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed, which may cater to users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing. Depending on individual preferences, the Crystal Violet may provide a smoother and gentler typing experience, while the Nixie may offer a more tactile and textured feel for enhanced feedback.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet provides a mellow and subtle sound with a creamy and mild tactile feel, ideal for those seeking a relaxed typing experience. In contrast, the Nixie offers a deeper and more satisfying sound with a textured and tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel, allowing users to select the switch that best fits their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a lighter operating force and a more relaxed tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Nixie switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that best complements your typing style and enhances your overall typing experience.
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