Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Phoenix, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Violet switch is a tactile switch, characterized by its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The switch provides a gentle and comfortable feel, and its sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is partially attributed to the rare and special use of ABS in the switch's housing. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch is a clicky switch that stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, offering a unique typing experience like no other. With a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, the Phoenix switch adds a touch of excitement and satisfaction to every keystroke. Both switches come with their own set of qualities and nuances, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Phoenix have contrasting housing materials that contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Violet uses ABS plastic for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. ABS is commonly used in keycaps but is relatively rare in switch housings. In comparison, the Phoenix employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. The use of clear polycarbonate in the Phoenix's housing also makes it ideal for RGB lighting.
While the Crystal Violet and Phoenix differ in their housing materials, they both exhibit similar characteristics due to the use of ABS plastic. Both switches offer a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing, which can be attributed to the ABS top and bottom housing. However, the Phoenix's use of polycarbonate for both housing components leads to a more pronounced and defined sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Phoenix's top housing enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed. Overall, despite the difference in materials, users can expect comparable results in sound production between the two switches.
The distinction between the top and bottom housing materials is worth noting when comparing the Crystal Violet and Phoenix switches. In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, each material contributes unique qualities to the overall typing experience. When a key is pressed, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the sound produced by the Crystal Violet and Phoenix switches will partially be determined by their respective top and bottom housing materials. Therefore, users can expect differences in sound characteristics depending on the specific housing material used in each switch component.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can see some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light, while the Phoenix's actuation force is unavailable. However, we know that the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In terms of weight, the Crystal Violet is lighter than the Phoenix, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Phoenix offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. It's important to note that without the information about the actuation force for the Phoenix, we cannot accurately compare the two switches in this aspect. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have different travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Phoenix has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the more traditional option, providing a deep and satisfying key press. On the other hand, the Phoenix with its 3.3 mm travel distance is on the shallower side, appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be more abrupt and less comfortable for typing tasks that require a more weighted feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Crystal Violet offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper keystroke, while the Phoenix provides a shorter travel distance for gamers seeking increased responsiveness.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of these switches is described as pleasantly mellow and subtle, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a non-intrusive auditory experience, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you are using them at home or work. The unique use of ABS in the switches' housings contributes to this sound profile.
On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix switches have a crunchy sound profile. This is most commonly associated with clicky switches and is described as sounding like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. These switches feature an under-skirt click mechanism, making them the most unique clicky switches available. The crystalline and sparkling sound profile of the Phoenix switches adds to their distinctiveness.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy feel is due to the smooth and buttery typing experience provided by the switches. This can be attributed to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory and specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The mild characteristics of these switches make the sound and feel approachable to most users, as they stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches are described as stepped, which means they have two stages of tactile feedback. This adds to the gentle typing experience as you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In contrast, the Outemu Phoenix switches offer a polished typing experience. This indicates a switch with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The polish on these switches contributes to a sleek typing experience, making them desirable for those who value smoothness in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Outemu Phoenix switches offer different subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched sound profile that is pleasantly mellow, while the Phoenix switches have a crunchy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches provide a creamy and mild typing experience with a stepped feeling, while the Phoenix switches offer a polished feel with reduced friction. Based on the available information, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Crystal Violet switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a more unique clicky experience with a crystalline and sparkling feel, the Phoenix switches would be a great option. Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a light operating force that is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed typing experience. The Crystal Violet switches also have a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile, making them non-intrusive and creating a subtle auditory experience. Additionally, the use of ABS in the switch housing contributes to this unique sound profile. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more unique and conspicuous clicky switch, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be a great choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying clicky feedback while typing. The Phoenix switches feature an under-skirt click mechanism, resulting in a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile. The clicky sound of the Phoenix switches is described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Phoenix switches have a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switch would be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more unique and conspicuous clicky switch with a crunchy sound, the Phoenix switch would be a great choice. Consider your typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire to make an informed decision.
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