Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Ocean both offer tactile feedback, but with distinct qualities that set them apart. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and gentle typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. With a mellow and lower-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet switches offer a subtle auditory experience, thanks to the special use of ABS in their housings. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean lacks specific standout features but still provides a tactile typing experience. If you prefer a creamy, low-pitched, and mild tactile feel, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Ocean, we see a distinct difference in the type of plastics used. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, known for its relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Ocean is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. While both ABS and polycarbonate are common materials in keycaps, their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch housing is quite different.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet also utilizes ABS, offering a similar low-pitched sound profile as the top housing. In contrast, the Ocean's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more distinct sound produced by ABS. The choice of bottom housing material significantly influences the overall typing experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
When considering the impact of having different materials for the top and bottom housings, we notice how each contributes unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In this case, the combination of ABS and nylon in the Crystal Violet and the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean showcases how versatile materials can influence the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The Crystal Violet also has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Crystal Violet make it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean may appeal to those who seek a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and how it affects their typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them to other switches with shorter or longer travel distances, they provide a balance between a quick response and a satisfying keypress feel. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and overall performance. The consistent travel distance of 4 mm in both switches ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience regardless of which one 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 Ocean 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, when comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is important to note that the Crystal Violet offers a low-pitched sound profile that is mellow and non-intrusive, creating a relaxed auditory experience. Additionally, the feel of the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation perfect for those seeking a stepped tactile experience. While information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Ocean switch is currently unavailable, based on the available information, it can be expected that users would get a similar relaxed and mild typing experience like the Crystal Violet switch. Ultimately, when considering these two switches, individuals should take into account their personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience to make the best decision for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light operating force and a gentle, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, then the Crystal Violet may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are open to trying a switch with different characteristics and are comfortable with an unknown bottom out force, the Outemu Ocean may provide a unique typing experience. Consider factors such as your desired sound profile, typing feel, and bottom out force preference when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what suits your typing needs best.
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