Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular choices in the tactile switch category are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Crystal Violet is best known for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds, providing a refined sound profile featuring a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. With a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile, the U4Tx switches offer a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features ABS as its top and bottom housing, which is a relatively rare plastic for switch housings. This choice of material gives the Crystal Violet a low-pitched sound profile when typing, thanks to ABS's unique properties. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes Gazzew's proprietary blend of plastic as its top and bottom housing. This blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," provides a richer and deeper sound profile due to its softness. This contrast in materials results in different auditory experiences while typing.
When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gazzew U4Tx show a split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet, a low-pitched sound profile can be expected when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, which enhances the typing experience.
The top housing, on the other hand, influences the sound when releasing a key. While the ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet may provide a relatively low-pitched sound when letting go of a key, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing contributes to its unique rich and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in composition and resulting sound profiles, it's worth noting that both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4Tx offer distinct auditory experiences that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force; the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the U4Tx has a bottom out force of 65 grams.
In terms of weight, the Crystal Violet can be considered on the lighter side as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower compared to the U4Tx. This lighter weight is beneficial for individuals who prefer a keyboard that allows them to type for longer periods of time, making it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience. With a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel will find this switch more suitable. The actuation force of the U4Tx is unavailable, but it can be assumed to potentially fall within the medium-heavy range, given the higher bottom out force.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Crystal Violet is specified at 45 grams, the unknown actuation force of the U4Tx may still result in a similar typing experience due to the comparable bottom out forces. The Crystal Violet is lighter overall, providing a medium-light typing experience, while the U4Tx is heavier, offering a medium-heavy experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. Gamers, for example, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the U4Tx with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of depth in the typing experience.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different qualities. The Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks in part to the rare use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches provide a cleaner and refined sound profile. When typing on them, you can expect a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Overall, the Crystal Violet switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound, while the U4Tx switches provide a bassy and muted sound.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy sensation is achieved through the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials, resulting in a smooth and buttery feel. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a mild tactile feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. They also feature a stepped switch design, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches have a sharp tactile bump that offers high feedback intensity. Each key press delivers a strong and crisp tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switches provide a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while offering a creamy, mild, and stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a bassy and muted sound, along with a sharp and intense tactile feel. Both switches aim to provide a luxurious typing experience, but the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences. If you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a cleaner sound with a sharper and more pronounced tactile bump, the U4Tx switches would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light operating force and a relaxed typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Crystal Violet's sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS in its housing contributes to this unique sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a deeper and richer tone, the Gazzew U4Tx is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that is suited for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump. The U4Tx switches offer a sharp and satisfying tactile feedback, accompanied by a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, while remaining whisper-quiet when topping out. Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gazzew U4Tx will depend on your preference for operating force, typing experience, and sound profile.
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