Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, it's clear that each offers a distinct typing experience. The Crystal Violet, with its light operating force of 45g, provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience ideal for those seeking a gentle and comfortable feel. Its mellow sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch lacks specific standout features but provides a smooth linear typing experience. While the Crystal Violet is best suited for those who prefer a tactile feel and a distinct sound profile, the Outemu Red may appeal to those who prioritize a smooth and consistent typing experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Red, we can see a clear distinction in terms of the top housing. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for its top housing, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch that the Crystal Violet may lack.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see another difference between the two switches. The Crystal Violet uses ABS for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar low-pitched sound profile to its top housing. On the other hand, the Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon also absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing material can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch. The combination of ABS and polycarbonate in the Everglide Crystal Violet and the use of nylon in the Outemu Red provide distinct typing experiences for users. While the Crystal Violet may offer a softer and lower-pitched sound, the Red provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound with a deeper feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities based on their housing materials, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is lighter in both aspects. 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 Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal Violet, allowing for longer typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Outemu Red due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distances are the same, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a moderate amount of travel distance, allowing for comfortable and efficient typing. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Crystal Violet or the smooth linear action of the Red, both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance for most users.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is achieved in part due to the unique use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users. The stepped tactile feature of these switches offers a unique typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, creamy feel, and stepped tactile feedback. It is ideal for those seeking a relaxed typing experience with a comfortable feel. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Red linear switch are not specified, it can be assumed that users may experience a similar sound and feel to the Crystal Violet switch if they are looking for a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a light operating force and a relaxed, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium operating force and a linear typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Red switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound profile (Crystal Violet) or smooth linear action (Red). Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
