Everglide Crystal Violet vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, it is important to note their unique characteristics and benefits. The Crystal Violet switch offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and tactile typing experience for those looking for a gentle and comfortable feel. With a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, these switches are ideal for users who prefer a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings. With a delicate 42g actuation force, the Swift switch offers an easy-to-press and bouncy typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and HMX Swift, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features ABS for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Swift utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
While the Crystal Violet and HMX Swift both have ABS top housings, the bottom housings tell a different story. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to its low-pitched sound profile, highlighting the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Swift adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact of softer plastics on sound absorption. This distinction underscores how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
Ultimately, the top and bottom housings of a switch play a crucial role in shaping its sound profile and typing feel. The Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housings offer a consistent low-pitched sound profile, while the Swift's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches deliver unique typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. Whether it be the rounder sound of nylon or the sharper sound of ABS, the housing materials of these switches play a key role in defining their overall performance.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Crystal Violet provides a more medium-light typing experience, while the Swift offers a lighter touch. The weight of the switches plays a crucial role in how they feel during typing or gaming sessions. Some users may prefer the lighter touch of the Swift for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or gaming, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier feel of the Crystal Violet for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches provide a relatively traditional travel distance, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer than the Swift. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Crystal Violet being just a tad longer than the Swift.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 offers a low-pitched, mellow tone that creates a relaxing auditory experience, thanks to its rare ABS housings. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch produces a clacky and sharp sound when pressed due to its full nylon housings. While the Crystal Violet provides a more subtle and bass-heavy sound profile, the Swift delivers a brighter and more percussive sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a light operating force of 45g. The typing sensation is silky and effortless, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and also creamy, providing a light and responsive typing feel with an actuation force of 42g. Both switches cater to users who prefer a softer and less pronounced tactile experience, but the Swift switch may offer a slightly more dynamic and lively typing sensation compared to the Crystal Violet.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to users looking for a more relaxed and smooth typing experience. While the Crystal Violet provides a lower-pitched sound and a mild tactile feel, the Swift switch offers a brighter sound with a bouncy and feathery keypress response. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, as well as a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a deep sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Swift switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force or a lighter linear switch with a unique sound profile and feathery feel. Choose wisely based on your typing needs and preferences.
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