Everglide Crystal Violet vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, finding the perfect balance between typing experience and sound profile is key. Two popular options to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch. The Crystal Violet switches are crafted with a light operating force of 45g, making them ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, accompanied by a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The Polaris Gray switches, on the other hand, provide a bouncy typing experience and feature a clean and clacky sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ significantly. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these two switches also differ in material. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Just like with the top housing, the translucency of the polycarbonate material allows for impressive RGB lighting effects.
While the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ, it is important to note that their respective materials bring distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that add to the overall satisfaction and enjoyment of typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Crystal Violet is known to be 45 grams, providing a medium-light feel, while the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unavailable, leaving uncertainty about its specific force requirement. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of pressure to fully press the key, which can be considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison.
Considering weight is significant for various reasons. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it enables them to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. For those seeking a more substantial and forceful typing experience, a heavier push feel may be preferred. It is important to note that while the differences in actuation force and bottom out force between the Crystal Violet and Polaris Gray switches demonstrate variations in typing experience, if both switches were to have similar forces, the results would be comparable. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfactory tactile feedback for users. They may differ in terms of their switch type, with the Crystal Violet being a tactile switch and the Polaris Gray being a linear switch, but in terms of travel distance, they are equal.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. In terms of sound, the Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the rare and special use of ABS in the switches' housings. The Crystal Violet switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with moderate actuation force requirement.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Gray switches is described as clean and clacky. It is worth noting that the Polaris Gray switch also has a low-pitched sound, similar to the Crystal Violet switches, and is also described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is mentioned to have a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed, giving a sense of a deep "thud" or soft "knock" upon key press and release.
Comparing the feel of the two switches, the Crystal Violet switch is characterized as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It provides a silky sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. It is also described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with a middle-ground zone for sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing experience with approachable sound and feel. The polished attribute suggests a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both switches have similarities in their sound profiles being low-pitched and neutral. They also share a mild typing experience, although the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and stepped feel while the Polaris Gray switch is polished. It is important to note that the final sound and feel of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch with its light operating force of 55 grams would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a more mild typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be a suitable option. These switches provide a clean and clacky sound profile, and their mild characteristics make them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches have a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preferred typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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