Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Black stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that boasts a light operating force of 45g, perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is described as pleasantly mellow and low-pitched, creating a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is a linear switch, but lacks the detailed description of its characteristics. Those who prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke may find the Black to be a suitable choice. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Black, we see clear differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housings, which result in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Black utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a fuller and deeper sound when using nylon. This contrast between the two materials showcases how the choice of housing can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Aesthetically, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Black differ in their choice of housing materials as well. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing provides a more subdued look compared to the Black's polycarbonate top housing, which offers a clear and translucent appearance. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize RGB lighting in their setup, as the polycarbonate housing allows for a more vibrant display of colors. The use of nylon in the Black's bottom housing also adds to its visual appeal, showcasing a classic and durable design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In terms of performance, the choice of housing materials in the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Black plays a significant role in determining the overall feel and sound of the switches. While the ABS housings of the Crystal Violet provide a softer feel and lower-pitched sound, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Black results in a crisper, higher-pitched sound with a fuller feel. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the user's typing experience, highlighting the importance of considering both sound profile and aesthetics when selecting a keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is lighter while the Black is heavier. The actuation force of the Crystal Violet is 45 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the Black has an actuation force of 65 grams, placing it in the heavy category. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Crystal Violet is 55 grams, still on the lighter side, whereas the Black requires 82 grams to bottom out, indicating a heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal Violet, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may gravitate towards the Outemu Black for a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel from top to bottom. Both switches provide a consistent amount of distance for tactile feedback and key actuation. In terms of comparing and contrasting, it can be said that both switches offer the same degree of travel distance, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a key with a 4mm travel distance. Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Black switches will provide a similar typing experience 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone due to the rare use of ABS in its housing, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specific sound description provided but would likely produce a more standard linear switch sound. Depending on the other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, the sound profile of the switches can vary.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is known for providing a creamy and mild typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. The switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, making typing feel effortless and comfortable. The stepped tactile feel of these switches provides a unique typing experience where users can feel some pre-travel and post-travel while typing. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description provided for the Outemu Black linear switch.
Considering the information available, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best suited for those who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile. The switch offers a creamy and mild feel, making typing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch may provide a more standard linear feel and sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches and Outemu Black linear switches, consider your preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a light operating force and a gentle, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear typing feel, the Outemu Black switches could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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