Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Crystal Violet offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is mellow and low-pitched, making it a subtle choice for those looking for a non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile maintains smoothness with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature. It is also easy to press, making it a comfortable option for long typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into each switch's nuances will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which results in a low-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. While the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing also produces a low-pitched sound, the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in housing materials ultimately affect the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
One key distinction between the two switches lies in the materials used for their top housing. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing is more common in keycaps but rare in switch housings, offering a unique sound profile characterized by its low pitch. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall aesthetic of the switch. This difference in top housing materials highlights the importance of material selection in determining the sound profile and visual design of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize the role of both the top and bottom housings. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the two parts, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The Crystal Violet and WS Light Tactile showcase how the choice of housing materials, whether ABS, polycarbonate, or nylon, can significantly alter the auditory and tactile feedback provided by a switch. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we can see that they both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Violet has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Crystal Violet offers a medium-light typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile provides a lighter feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the WS Light Tactile more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Crystal Violet for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth tactile feedback, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness, with the main difference being the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can result in a similar typing experience and overall feel when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing users with a reliable 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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The Crystal Violet leans towards a low-pitched tone, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience due to the special use of ABS in its housings. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile maintains a smooth sound signature without being overly loud or distracting. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific setup of the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet is known for its creamy and mild sensation, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The stepped tactile feel of these switches provides a unique two-stage keystroke sensation, adding a subtle touch of tactility without being overwhelming. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches also feature a stepped tactile feel, along with being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Everglide Crystal Violet and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches, both options offer a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound profiles and tactile feels. While the Crystal Violet excels in providing a mellow sound with a creamy and stepped feel, the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound signature with an easy-to-press and stepped tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort. Similar results can be achieved with either option, depending on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light operating force and a relaxed, stepped tactile typing feel with a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, then the Crystal Violet may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature and an easy-to-press typing experience, then the WS Light Tactile could be the better choice. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and select accordingly to enhance your overall typing experience.
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