Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Type S offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Crystal Violet stands out for its tactile nature, providing a light operating force of 45g for a relaxed and stepped typing experience. Its mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, offers a comfortable auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S is a linear switch with a 65g bottom-out, appealing to those who prefer a weightier keystroke. Its sound signature strikes a pleasing balance between neutral and deeper tones. While the Crystal Violet is known for its creamy and low-pitched feel, the Type S is categorized as neutral and subdued. Both switches have their own unique advantages, but delving deeper into their characteristics can help you determine which one best suits your typing preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features ABS for both its top and bottom housing, providing a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S utilizes nylon as both the top and bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the Crystal Violet offering a more subtle sound and the Type S delivering a more robust and rounded sound.
While both the Crystal Violet and the Type S feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall sound profile is influenced by the combination of these materials. The softer plastic of nylon in the Type S absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to the ABS housing of the Crystal Violet. This difference in sound quality showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and the noise level of the switches.
In terms of typing feel, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Type S play a crucial role in the overall tactile feedback. The ABS housing of the Crystal Violet provides a unique sensation when typing, while the nylon housing of the Type S offers a different tactile experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between ABS and nylon allowing users to customize their keyboard based on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is lighter in actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Type S. The Crystal Violet requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, falling into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Type S has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The difference in weight between these switches can significantly impact the typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Crystal Violet for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier push of the Type S for a more substantial typing experience. In both cases, users can choose the switch that aligns with their preferences to achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a similar tactile and smooth typing experience due to their identical travel distances. This means that whether you choose the Crystal Violet or Type S switch, you can expect to receive consistent and comfortable feedback while typing. The similarity in their travel distances ensures that users will not experience any significant differences in keypress feel between the two switches. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their 4 mm travel distance.
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 Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 considering the sound qualities of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, the Crystal Violet is known for its low-pitched and mellow sound profile, offering a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Type S provides a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience, with a more subdued sound signature. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience that is not overly intrusive, catering to users looking for different sound profiles. 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 Crystal Violet is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. This creates a comfortable typing sensation that is approachable to most users. As for the Type S, information on the specific feel of the switch is not available. However, based on the provided description of the Type S being factory lubed and offering a weightier keystroke, it can be assumed that it may provide a smoother typing experience with a different tactile feel compared to the Crystal Violet.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet excels in providing a mellow sound profile and a creamy typing experience, while the Type S offers a deeper acoustic experience with potential enhanced smoothness due to factory lubing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and desired typing experience. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a light operating force and a stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke with a neutral, deeper acoustic experience and a subdued sound profile, the Gateron Type S switches would better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between Everglide Crystal Violet and Gateron Type S switches depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choosing the right one for you will ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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