Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, a key point of comparison is the typing experience they offer. The Crystal Violet switch boasts a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing feel. Its sound profile is described as pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum due to the special use of ABS in its housing. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switch's typing experience is characterized by its clicky feedback, making it more audible and tactile with each keystroke. If you prefer a quieter and gentler typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be the way to go, while the Blue Jade offers a more pronounced and satisfying feedback for those who enjoy a clicky switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Blue Jade, we see distinct differences in the sound profiles produced. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. On the other hand, the Blue Jade features nylon housing for both its top and bottom, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The ABS material in the Crystal Violet offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon material in the Blue Jade absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
While both the Crystal Violet and the Blue Jade utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall typing experience is influenced by these materials in unique ways. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing. The top housing of each switch also plays a significant role in the sound produced, with ABS in the Crystal Violet providing a lower pitch and nylon in the Blue Jade contributing to a more resonant sound upon key release.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Blue Jade significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. The ABS and nylon materials used in these switches offer distinct characteristics, with ABS providing a sharper sound and nylon offering a deeper and fuller tone. While differences exist between the two switches, both materials contribute to a unique and satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet may be more preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Violet has a slightly lighter force of 55 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 65 grams. This indicates that the Blue Jade may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. In terms of weight, some users may find the Crystal Violet more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter actuation force, while the Blue Jade may be favored by those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. There is no difference in the travel distance between the two switches, so users can expect a consistent feel regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Blue Jade 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
When it comes to the sound produced by the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, users can expect a low-pitched and mellow tone that leans towards the bass-heavy spectrum, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is thanks to the rare use of ABS in the switch housing, contributing to its unique sound profile. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the Everglide Crystal Violet switch, users can look forward to a creamy and mild typing experience that offers a smooth and gentle feel. The stepped tactile design of these switches provides a two-stage typing sensation, adding to the overall comfort and ease of use. In contrast, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch are not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and creamy, stepped tactile feel, offering users a relaxed and comfortable typing experience. Without specific information available on the sound and feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is recommended to consider personal preferences and typing needs when deciding between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter operating force and a gentle, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy operating force and a clicky typing experience, the Blue Jade could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and operating force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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