Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that caters to individuals who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile feel while typing. With an operating force of 45g, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable keystroke. In terms of sound profile, the Crystal Violet switches produce a pleasantly mellow tone, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, enhanced by the rare use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a silent tactile switch that delivers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing. It also offers an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4's sound profile is whisper quiet, making it ideal for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched auditory experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities and attributes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4 differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affect the sound profiles of the two switches. The Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housings, which are commonly used in keycaps but are relatively rare for switch housings. As a result, typing on switches with ABS housings on the Crystal Violet produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings. This plastic blend, also known as "boba plastic," is softer and delivers a rich and deep sound profile.

The difference in housing materials between the Crystal Violet and the U4 impacts the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing, the low-pitched sound profile becomes more prominent as you press down on the keys. In contrast, the U4's Gazzew blend bottom housing enhances the richness and depth of the sound when you bottom-out the keys.

However, when it comes to the sound produced when you release a key, the housing material of the top housing plays a more significant role. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing, being relatively rare for switch housings, still contributes to the switch's low-pitched sound when you let go of a key. In comparison, the Gazzew blend top housing on the U4 enhances the richness and deepness of the sound as the key is released.

In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4 offer contrasting housing materials and, therefore, different sound profiles. While the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS top and bottom housings, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile, the U4 features Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, delivering a rich and deep sound. However, whether you prefer one over the other depends on your personal sound preferences and typing style. While the Crystal Violet may provide a more unique sound due to the rare usage of ABS in switch housings, the U4's "boba plastic" blend offers a softer and richer experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that both switches offer a medium level of force. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the U4's 43 grams, but both are in the same range. Similarly, the Crystal Violet requires a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the U4 requires 62 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the U4.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might find the Crystal Violet more suitable, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively lighter. This feature enables users to type for extended periods comfortably, making it ideal for work or longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may appreciate the U4's heavier forces. Despite the slight difference in forces, both switches fall within the medium range, delivering comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the U4's 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Crystal Violet will provide a slightly deeper feel compared to the U4. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, offering a longer and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. On the other hand, the U4's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, catering to gamers and individuals who value faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference. If a shorter travel and quicker response is desired, the U4 is the better option. Conversely, if a deeper, more substantial key press is preferred, the Crystal Violet would be the more suitable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It provides a gentle and comfortable feel when typing. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, resulting in a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This can be attributed to the rare and special use of ABS in the switches' housings. Additionally, the Crystal Violet is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most users and environments.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Typing on these switches provides an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4s also have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, described as muted. This means that the switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Similar to the Crystal Violet, the U4 is also described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 offers a sharp tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation with a whisper quiet sound profile. While they have their differences, both switches deliver a comfortable and approachable typing experience. Depending on your preference for feel and sound, both switches can provide similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With its light operating force of 45g and creamy, mild, and stepped characteristics, this switch offers a silky typing sensation that effortlessly glides across the keys. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switch is also pleasantly mellow and low-pitched, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the better choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62g and a sharp tactile feedback, the U4 switch delivers a more intense typing experience. Additionally, the U4 has a muted sound profile, making it whisper quiet. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more