Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is important to note the unique characteristics of each. The Crystal Violet is praised for its light operating force of 45g, delivering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel. Its sound profile is notably mellow with a lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is distinguished by its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Crystal Violet offers a creamy and mild typing experience, the Smoothie Silver provides lightning-fast actuation and a unique sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver incorporates POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a distinctive typing experience based on the characteristics of their respective housing materials.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing contributes to its low-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing adds to its deeper and more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing, providing users with a varied tactile experience. Additionally, the bottom housing material can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, further distinguishing the typing experience between the two.
However, when it comes to the top housing materials of the Crystal Violet and the Smoothie Silver, both switches feature ABS and POM respectively. While the specific qualities of these materials may differ slightly, they ultimately contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches when keypresses are released. Thus, despite the variations in top and bottom housing materials between the two switches, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when releasing keys. Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Smoothie Silver play a significant role in shaping the unique typing experiences they offer to users.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Crystal Violet is considered medium-light, offering a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver's weight is unavailable, so it is hard to determine if it is lighter or heavier. Some may prefer the Crystal Violet for its lighter touch, while others may opt for the Smoothie Silver for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Crystal Violet has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. While both distances are relatively short and fall within the traditional range, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal more to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness, creating a unique auditory sensation. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards a more relaxed tone while the Smoothie Silver provides a more distinctive sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a two-stage tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its feather-light touch and lightning-fast actuation, providing a quick and effortless typing sensation. While the Crystal Violet offers a more luxurious and buttery typing experience, the Smoothie Silver focuses on speed and efficiency, catering to users who prioritize fast and precise typing. Again, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound with lightning-fast actuation and feather-light touch. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users, and choosing between them would ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing sensation. Overall, both switches are excellent options in their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, opt for the Crystal Violet. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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