Everglide Crystal Violet vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star RedBlue, both offering unique typing experiences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch crafted to perfection, providing a relaxed and stepped typing experience for those seeking comfort. With an operating force of 45g and a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches provide a medium-light typing experience suitable for individuals who prefer a smooth and polished feel. With a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a different auditory sensation. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best keyboard switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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 used in the Everglide Crystal Violet and the SP-Star RedBlue switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housing, which is commonly used in keycaps but relatively rare in switch housings. As a result, typing on switches featuring ABS housing produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile.
In contrast, the RedBlue switches employ polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly advantageous for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the lighting effects.
However, when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are divided between the two parts. Pressing down on the switch primarily engages the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key is influenced more by the sound characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each component affects different aspects of the typing experience.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials, they also showcase some similarities. Both ABS and polycarbonate are widely used in the keyboard industry, indicating their suitability for switch applications. Moreover, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, although with differing characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and SP-Star RedBlue will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the aesthetic considerations related to RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Crystal Violet is lighter as it has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the RedBlue's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 57 grams, still considered medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. However, if a stronger and more substantial typing feel is desired, the RedBlue may be a better option with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
In terms of actuation force, since the RedBlue's value is not provided, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if the actuation forces were to be equal or similar, both switches would provide a consistent experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This could be beneficial for users who prefer a consistent typing feel regardless of the switch type. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the Crystal Violet and RedBlue switches yield similar results. The travel distance of both switches is the same, ensuring that users can expect a consistent tactile feedback and key response regardless of which switch they choose.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 offer a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched auditory experience. The use of ABS in the housing of these switches helps create a subtle and non-intrusive sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, but they also have a thocky characteristic, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches fall into the category of low-pitched sound, making them suitable for those who prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the RedBlue switches offer the additional thocky sound quality, providing an extra level of satisfaction.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer a gentle and comfortable typing experience. They are described as creamy, which indicates a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This can be attributed to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used in its construction. The Crystal Violet switches also possess a mild characteristic, providing a more approachable typing experience with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, they are referred to as stepped switches, meaning they have a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving them a mild tactile feel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a mild typing experience, similar to the Crystal Violets. They have a polished characteristic, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The RedBlue switches provide a comfortable and approachable feel, just like the Crystal Violet switches.
Overall, both switches offer desirable qualities for different preferences. The Crystal Violet switches provide a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, while the RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched thocky sound profile. If you are looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience, both switches offer similar results with their mild characteristics. However, if the sound profile is a significant factor for you, the Crystal Violet switches lean more towards the mellow and lower-pitched spectrum, while the RedBlue switches combine the low-pitched sound with the added thocky characteristic.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With its light operating force of 45g and a pleasantly mellow, low-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches offer a safe middle ground in terms of feel and sound. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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