Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Crystal Violet and Jwick Taro are both tactile switches, offering a satisfying typing experience. The Crystal Violet stands out for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile feel that is ideal for those seeking comfort while typing. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches produce a pleasantly mellow sound profile with a lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare and special use of ABS in their housings. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a snappy and medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. Both switches offer a cozy typing experience, but beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you decide which switch is best suited to your preferences.
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Everglide Crystal Violet and the Jwick Taro differ in the materials used for both their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is relatively rare for switch housings, while the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials results in a distinction in sound profiles. The Crystal Violet produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing, while the Taro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both switches share the use of ABS in their bottom housings, leading to a similar low-pitched sound profile when typing.
Another notable difference between the Crystal Violet and the Taro lies in the materials used for their bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing, resulting in a consistent low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile in comparison to the ABS housing. This contrast in materials highlights the impact the bottom housing has on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
It is worth mentioning that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are split between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction emphasizes the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when evaluating the overall sound profile and tactile feel of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Violet requires an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light feel when triggering a keystroke. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Crystal Violet's bottom out force stands at 55 grams, whereas the Taro requires a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight as a factor, those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Crystal Violet more suitable, as its actuation force is relatively low. This lighter touch allows for extended periods of typing or gaming without excessive strain. On the other hand, individuals desiring a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Taro. With its higher bottom out force, the Taro provides a satisfying feedback that some users find enhances their typing experience.
While the actuation force for the Taro remains unknown, the comparison highlights a notable difference in bottom out forces, with the Taro being heavier in this regard. Ultimately, individual preferences and typing styles will determine whether the medium-light Crystal Violet or the medium-heavy Taro is better suited for one's needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer. For those who value faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Taro switch may be preferred, especially among gamers. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Conversely, if a deeper and more substantial feel is desired, the longer travel distance offered by the Crystal Violet switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate level of sound. It provides acute and crisp clacks while typing. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most situations. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, as a stepped switch, it provides a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a buttery typing experience, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Like the Crystal Violet switch, it is also a stepped switch with a more mild tactile feel. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience, suitable for most users.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Jwick Taro switches share some similarities in terms of their sound and feel characteristics. They both have a moderate sound profile and offer a comfortable typing experience. While the Crystal Violet switch leans towards a lower-pitched sound spectrum and provides a creamier feel, the Taro switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide satisfactory results, ensuring a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel with a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. They have a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, making for a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches use ABS in their housings, adding to their unique and special qualities.
On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and medium-level of tactility along with acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a better fit for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. They provide a cozy typing experience with their comfortable color scheme and offer a buttery typing sensation, giving you a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. The Crystal Violet switches have a creamy and mild feel, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches also have a stepped feel, providing you with a slightly different tactile sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and Jwick Taro tactile switches will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prioritize a lighter or heavier operating force, a mellow or snappy sound profile, and a creamy or buttery typing experience. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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