Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Green switches. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch, designed for those who prefer a light operating force of 45g and a relaxed typing experience. It offers a gentle and comfortable feel with a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch, known for its distinct audible click sound with each keystroke. While the Crystal Violet provides a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, the Outemu Green delivers a more pronounced and satisfying click feedback. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
80g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Green, we see a stark difference in the materials used. The Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housing, while the Green opts for polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This contrast in materials leads to a difference in sound profiles when typing on the switches. The ABS housing of the Crystal Violet creates a relatively low-pitched sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Green results in a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Green offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet.
One similarity between the two switches is that they both utilize ABS in their bottom housing. This means that when typing on either the Crystal Violet or the Outemu Green, you can expect a relatively low-pitched sound profile due to the use of ABS in the bottom housing. However, the difference in top housing material makes for a noticeable distinction in sound and feel between the two switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Green provides a more resonant sound when releasing a key, while the ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet offers a different typing experience with its lower-pitched sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Green creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing offers a lower-pitched sound that may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This makes the Outemu Green switch more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch to type for longer periods of time, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch would be the ideal choice. Both switches provide different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their tactile and clicky characteristics. The Crystal Violet provides a smooth tactile feedback, while the Green offers a satisfying click with each keystroke. Overall, both switches provide a similar travel distance but cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
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 Green 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 sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone that is soothing and not too sharp, thanks to the unique use of ABS materials in its housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is expected to be louder and more pronounced due to its clicky nature.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience with a stepped tactile feel, making each keystroke smooth and easy on the fingers. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Green switch is not specified, but being a clicky switch, it is likely to offer a more tactile and pronounced feedback with each key press.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more audible and tactile response while typing, the Outemu Green clicky switch might be the better option. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, you should consider your preference for operating force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter operating force and a gentle tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, then the Everglide Crystal Violet switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier operating force and a clicky typing experience without any specific sound or feel preferences, then the Outemu Green switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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