Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Silver offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch, known for its light operating force of 45g and a gentle tactile bump ideal for those seeking a relaxed typing experience. This switch has a mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, making it a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch with no distinct tactile bump, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke. While the Crystal Violet offers a creamy and stepped typing experience, the Silver switch does not have any specific characteristics. If you prioritize a tactile typing feel, the Crystal Violet may be the way to go, while the Silver switch could be preferred for those who prefer a linear 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 terms of housing materials, the Everglide Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile during typing. ABS is more commonly found in keycaps rather than switch housings, giving the Crystal Violet a unique quality in terms of sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone.
While the top housing of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Silver differ in material, the bottom housing of both switches contributes significantly to the overall sound profile. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet adds to the low-pitched sound when typing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silver enhances the depth and fullness of the sound. However, the top housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver creating a sharper sound compared to the ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom contributes to the unique sound profiles of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Silver greatly impacts the sound profile and feel of typing. While both switches use different combinations of materials for their top and bottom housings, they each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound. Whether it be the low-pitched sound of ABS in the Crystal Violet or the sharper tone of polycarbonate in the Silver, the housing materials play a critical role in determining the overall typing experience and sound output of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Silver 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 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet would be the more suitable option, as it allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without causing fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Outemu Silver for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance. This similarity in travel distance may provide a consistent typing experience for users who switch between keyboards with these different switches. Despite other differences between the switches, such as their tactile or linear nature, the travel distance remains the same, offering a comparable typing experience in terms of physical key travel.
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 Silver 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 unique typing experience characterized by a gentle and comfortable feel, along with a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile. The use of ABS in the housing contributes to the switch's overall auditory experience, creating a subtle and non-intrusive typing environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have specific information available regarding its sound and feel qualities. However, based on the information provided, it is safe to assume that the Crystal Violet switch would likely provide a more tactile and stepped typing experience compared to the Silver switch. If you prefer a switch with a creamy and mild feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet would be an excellent choice for you. Ultimately, personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, so it's essential to consider both sound and feel characteristics when making your decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you value a light operating force, a pleasant low-pitched sound profile, and a relaxed tactile typing feel, then the Crystal Violet may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without any tactile feedback, then the Silver switch could be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of tactility when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
Mentioned in this article
