Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, a linear switch. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its light operating force of 45g, providing 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 WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While it may have a heavier actuation force, it adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and 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
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches differ in terms of their composition. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. In contrast, the WS Red has a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material. This disparity in materials affects the sound profile when typing on these switches. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet produces a relatively low-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also differ in material composition. The Crystal Violet employs an ABS bottom housing, which is again an uncommon choice for switch housings. Conversely, the WS Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, aligning with the classic switch housing material. The effect of the material difference on the sound profile is consistent with the corresponding top housings. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet results in a relatively low-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the WS Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of overall sound profile, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing materials create a relatively low-pitched sound throughout the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon housing materials offer a deeper and fuller sound. While the specific sound qualities may differ, both switches provide a rounded and dull sound due to the softness of their respective plastics. Additionally, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Overall, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches prioritize creating a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is 55 grams, making it medium-light overall. In contrast, the WS Red's actuation force is unknown, and its bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy switch.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions might lean towards the Crystal Violet. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a more effortless keystroke experience, allowing for greater endurance. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Red. With a higher bottom out force, it offers a stronger push feel that can result in a more satisfying tactile feedback.
While the actuation force of the WS Red is not known, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation forces. This suggests that, even though the exact numbers are unavailable, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and speed when pressing the keys.
In summary, the Crystal Violet is the lighter option with medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, suitable for those seeking a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red is the heavier choice with medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see that the Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional and provides a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.8mm is slightly shorter and may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker presses, which can be advantageous in gaming situations. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press experience, the switch with the longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for either quicker response times or a more substantial key press 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 Red comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Crystal Violet switches are known for their low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches offer a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The use of ABS in their housings contributes to the pleasant sound produced. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Red switches is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped. The creamy feel indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, achieved either through factory lubrication or specific materials. Typing on these switches is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the mild characteristic of the Crystal Violet switches offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The stepped feel indicates that these switches have two stages, with some degree of pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Red switches is unknown.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches offer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel. The sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The WS Red linear switches, unfortunately, lack specific information about their sound and feel qualities. While we can't make a direct comparison, it's worth noting that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are seeking a similar relaxed and stepped tactile experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switches would be the recommended choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, along with a pleasingly mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and creamy, mild, and stepped feel, you can expect a smooth and buttery typing experience that effortlessly melts into each keystroke. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall serene and comfortable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch would be a suitable option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While the specific sound profile of the WS Red switch is not provided, its classic material blend ensures a familiar and pleasing sound signature.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches would depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, including actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound profile. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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