Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Red present contrasting options to suit different typing preferences. The Everglide Crystal Violet is a tactile switch renowned for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel with a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the special use of ABS in their housings. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that lacks specific standout features but is known for its durability and reliability. While the Crystal Violet switch is ideal for those seeking a creamy, low-pitched, and mild typing experience, the Dustproof Red switch may appeal to users looking for a straightforward linear switch without any frills. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Outemu Dustproof Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Dustproof Red incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. While both housings offer distinct sound profiles, the use of ABS in the Crystal Violet and polycarbonate in the Dustproof Red showcase the differences in sound characteristics based on material composition.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS, offering a similar low-pitched sound profile as its top housing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The use of different materials for the bottom housing between the two switches highlights how material choice can impact the overall sound and feel of typing. While ABS offers a more consistent sound profile throughout the switch, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it's important to note how the top and bottom housings play a role in the overall typing experience. The split between ABS and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Crystal Violet and Dustproof Red respectively showcase the varying sound profiles each material brings when releasing a key. Similarly, the contrast between ABS and nylon in the bottom housing emphasizes the differences in impact and sound when pressing down on a key. Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly influence the sound, feel, and aesthetic of the typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Dustproof Red, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Crystal Violet being on the lighter side and the Dustproof Red being slightly heavier. This difference in bottom out force may be noticeable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the weight of the keystrokes during typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is evident that they both have an identical travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences for users. So, whether you opt for the Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Dustproof Red linear switch, you can expect to achieve similar results 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 Dustproof Red 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 offers a pleasant and relaxed typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, and a mellow and low-pitched sound profile. The use of ABS in the housing contributes to the unique auditory experience of these switches. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is currently unavailable for comparison. However, based on the qualities of the Crystal Violet switch, it is likely that the Dustproof Red switch would provide a different typing experience with a different sound and feel. For individuals looking for a light and tactile typing experience with a subtle sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the individual's preferences for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. The Crystal Violet switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter operating force, a gentle tactile typing experience, and a mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red switch offers a medium operating force and a linear typing experience. If you prefer a smoother keystroke without a tactile bump, the Dustproof Red switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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