Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Dustproof Blue offer different experiences to suit various preferences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch designed for those who prefer a light operating force of 45g and a gentle, stepped tactile typing experience. With a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, it provides a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the special use of ABS in its housing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicking sound with each press. While the Dustproof Blue does not have specific features highlighted, it still provides a different typing experience compared to the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
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 features an ABS top housing, which results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while ABS is more commonly seen in keycaps rather than switch housings.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Crystal Violet also utilizes ABS, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the harder ABS material. This difference in bottom housing materials can have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
When comparing the two switches, it is clear that the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent low-pitched sound, the Outemu Dustproof Blue combines a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound. Ultimately, the choice between ABS and polycarbonate, as well as nylon, will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch both offer unique actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy feel. While the Crystal Violet offers a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Dustproof Blue provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, it can be said that both switches offer a standard amount of travel for a key press. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the physical feeling and feedback provided by both switches when typing or gaming. The similarity in their travel distance indicates that the user experience in terms of key press depth will be consistent between the Crystal Violet and Dustproof Blue switches.
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 Blue 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
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and mellow sound profile, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The creamy and mild feel of these switches offers a smooth and gentle typing sensation, ideal for users who appreciate a comfortable keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch lacks specific information regarding sound and feel qualities. However, it is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you. If you enjoy a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch would be a solid option. If you are interested in the tactile satisfaction of a clicky switch but require more information on the feel and sound of the Outemu Dustproof Blue, it may be beneficial to further research or try out the switch before making a decision. Ultimately, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Outemu Dustproof Blue switches offer different qualities, and selecting the best one for your needs will depend on your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for typing force. If you prefer a lighter operating force, a gentle tactile experience, and a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet would be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier operating force and a clicky typing experience, the Dustproof Blue could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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