Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Crystal Violet switch is revered for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow and leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, offering a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black switch lacks specific standout features but may appeal to those who prefer a simpler switch without any distinctive characteristics. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making it essential to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
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
Partial box
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Dustproof Black both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which creates a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In comparison, the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Black leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS, which results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Dustproof Black creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics like ABS. This difference in bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch when in use.
The distinct housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Dustproof Black demonstrate how the choices in top and bottom housing can affect the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature unique materials, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing provides a low-pitched sound profile, while the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate and nylon housing offer a sharper, higher-pitched sound and a deeper, fuller sound, respectively. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound output of these switches.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, which requires 60 grams to actuate. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Crystal Violet requiring 55 grams and the Dustproof Black needing 80 grams, making the Dustproof Black the heavier option. The Crystal Violet offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black provides a heavier push feel, appealing to users who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being better for extended use and heavier switches offering a more solid and responsive typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two based on travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Dustproof Black, you can expect to feel the same level of key travel when typing. It is important to note that while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the overall typing experience may still vary due to other factors such as actuation force and tactile feedback.
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 Dustproof 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
When comparing sound quality, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch stands out with its low-pitched sound profile that offers a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the special ABS housing. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is not available. When it comes to the feel of typing, the Crystal Violet switch is praised for its creamy and mild tactile feedback, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with a stepped feel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Dustproof Black switch. In conclusion, if you opt for the Everglide Crystal Violet switch, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with a gentle tactile feel and a mellow sound profile, while the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing the right switch will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, you should opt for the Crystal Violet if you prefer a lighter operating force, a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience, and a mellow, low-pitched sound profile. The Crystal Violet switch is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black switch with its heavier bottom out force may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a linear switch with a heavier actuation and a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and operating force when selecting between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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