Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer their own unique benefits. The Crystal Violet is known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches have a gentle and comfortable feel, accompanied by a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The use of ABS in their housings contributes to this non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. With ingenious stem railings and small cutouts, these switches minimize sound while offering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile does not use silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience free from the usual padded feel. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Mild,' but the Crystal Violet is described as 'Creamy' and 'Low-pitched,' while the WS Silent Tactile is 'Accented' and 'Invigorating.' However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches featuring ABS. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon as its top and bottom housing material, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the ABS top housing, both the Crystal Violet and WS Silent Tactile share similarities as they both employ ABS material. This means that typing on switches with ABS top housing will result in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. However, it is important to note that the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing is described as a relatively rare choice for switch housings, potentially offering a unique sound experience compared to other switches with ABS top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet continues to utilize ABS while the WS Silent Tactile incorporates nylon. This difference in housing materials will have an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing contributes to its relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing, similar to its ABS top housing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon bottom housing adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon.
In summary, while both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile share ABS as their top housing material, they differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Crystal Violet maintains its ABS bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon as its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. These discrepancies in housing materials contribute to subtle variations in sound and feel between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Crystal Violet is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, both switches are considered to have a medium force required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to its actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy force required for pressing all the way down. Therefore, the WS Silent Tactile is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Crystal Violet.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Crystal Violet more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Its relatively lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a lighter push feel. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the WS Silent Tactile. Its higher bottom out force offers a stronger push feel, which some individuals find more satisfying.
Overall, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, it can be inferred that its bottom out force is heavier than that of the Crystal Violet. Therefore, individuals desiring a slightly heavier typing experience may opt for the WS Silent Tactile, while those preferring a lighter touch might find the Crystal Violet more suited to their needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Crystal Violet. This shorter travel distance can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize faster response times and prefer a more responsive key press. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying feel when typing, the Crystal Violet, with its longer travel distance, might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired 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 Silent 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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning 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 switches' housings. The Crystal Violet also offers a creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. It has a mild characteristic, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, it is considered a stepped switch, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It offers a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Instead, they feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. The WS Silent Tactile is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It also offers an accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it has an invigorating characteristic, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel.
Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users and purposes. They also share a mild characteristic, providing a gentle typing experience. However, the Crystal Violet produces a low-pitched sound, while the WS Silent Tactile produces a muted sound. This difference in sound profile can affect the overall auditory experience during typing. The Crystal Violet offers a creamy feel, while the WS Silent Tactile offers an accented and invigorating feel. These differences in feel can significantly impact the typing experience as well.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet provides a mellow, low-pitched sound and a creamy, mild feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a muted sound and an accented, invigorating feel. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for most users and purposes. Depending on the individual's preference for sound and feel, they can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, paired with a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise reduction without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are the way to go. These switches strike a delicate balance, delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. With its medium level of tactility and muted sound, the WS Silent Tactile is an exceptional option for office and work environments. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter and stepped tactile feel or a medium level of tactility with noise reduction as a priority.
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