Everglide Crystal Violet vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and crave a tactile typing experience, you may find yourself torn between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Crystal Violet switch offers a relaxed and stepped tactile feel, making it perfect for those seeking a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Its sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch provides a exhilarating tactile typing experience with its big tactile bump. Its sound profile is described as snappy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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 Everglide Crystal Violet and SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings but is commonly found in keycaps. Typing on switches with ABS top housing results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffer nature, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is especially advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet and Polaris Purple follow a similar pattern to their top housing. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, which is uncommon in switch housings but common in keycaps. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple integrates a polycarbonate bottom housing. As with the polycarbonate top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer nature contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically speaking, a clear housing is more likely to be polycarbonate, making it an ideal choice if you wish to showcase RGB lighting effects.
It is worth noting that if a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the characteristics of each material will be divided between the two. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, understanding the housing materials of a switch is crucial in determining its sound profile and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is currently unknown. However, the Crystal Violet does have a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier in comparison.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be the better choice as it offers a medium-light actuation force. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push and a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Polaris Purple, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams.
While there is a difference in the actuation force and bottom out force between these two switches, it is important to note that without knowing the exact actuation force of the Polaris Purple, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, if the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is similar to that of the Crystal Violet, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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 sound profile of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch can be described as low-pitched and mellow, with a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is due to the rare use of ABS in the switch housing, which contributes to the lower-pitched spectrum. On the other hand, the sound profile of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as snappy, although further details are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The switch is smooth and buttery, providing a silky sensation when typing. The overall feel of the switch is gentle and approachable, falling into a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple tactile switch is also mild in feel and offers a gentle typing experience. Furthermore, it is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. You can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel with these switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, with a pleasant and mellow sound profile. It has a light operating force of 45g, providing a gentle and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides an exhilarating tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, although further details are unavailable. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. While the Crystal Violet switch has a creamy feel and is stepped, the Polaris Purple switch is polished for a smooth and refined finish. Overall, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a relaxed and comfortable typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light feel. The mellow sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS in the switches' housings contributes to this pleasant sound profile. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer an exhilarating tactile bump and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be more suitable. It offers a snappy sound profile and a mild typing experience. The Polaris Purple switches are also described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches depends on your preference for operating force, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
