Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Crystal Violet switches are perfect for those looking for a relaxed and tactile typing experience. With a light operating force of 45g, they offer a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, the sound profile of these switches leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches are known for their innovative design. While they maintain a clacky bottom-out sound, their topping-out sound is whisper-quiet, making them ideal for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. The type feel of these switches is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished and not over-polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is relatively rare for switch housings but common in keycaps. This ABS housing produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Crystal Violet and the Semi-Silent Linear use different materials. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing, once again common in keycaps, leads to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear incorporates a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in producing sound. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a pressed key. Therefore, while the Crystal Violet and the Semi-Silent Linear may feature different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches are likely to deliver similar results in terms of their overall sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unavailable, so its specific force remains unknown. However, the Crystal Violet's bottom out force of 55 grams implies a moderate amount of force needed to fully press the key. In comparison, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier in this aspect.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can affect typing experiences and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Crystal Violet switch's actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch's potentially higher actuation force (exact force is unknown) and heavier bottom out force may be preferred.
While the details of the Semi-Silent Linear switch's actuation force remain uncertain, it is clear that both switches offer a medium level of force requirements for bottoming out. Therefore, if a user desires a similar typing experience in terms of force, either of these switches could provide similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch will depend on personal preferences regarding weight, key feel, and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the Crystal Violet offers a slightly deeper keypress.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance. It's important to consider how each switch will enhance your typing or gaming experience based on your individual preferences. So, while these switches do have slightly different travel distances, they can both provide satisfying results depending on the user's specific needs and preferences.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 known for its pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, which is enhanced by the rare use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch is known for its creamy and mild typing experience. Its smooth and buttery feel allows for a silky sensation while typing. Additionally, it features a stepped design, providing a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Similarly, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is described as snappy, indicating its super responsive nature. It also provides a buttery and polished feel, offering a seamless and smooth keystroke experience with reduced friction.
Overall, the Crystal Violet and Semi-Silent Linear switches have different sound and feel characteristics. The Crystal Violet has a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, mild feel with a stepped design. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a subdued sound profile and offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. However, they both have a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various applications. If you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a semi-silent switch with a smooth, responsive, and polished feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an excellent choice. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, 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 value a semi-silent switch with a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a great option. While not completely silent, the Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a dampened and subdued sound when pressed, making it more subtle compared to most switches. Furthermore, the switch offers a mild typing experience, which is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Violet and the Semi-Silent Linear switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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