Outemu Crystal vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Outemu Crystal is a linear switch that offers a unique and elastic typing experience. With a medium-light weight, these switches provide a satisfying and smooth keystroke. Additionally, they have a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that is known for its light operating force of 45g. This switch offers a relaxed and comfortable feel, perfect for individuals looking for a more tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Crystal Violet have contrasting choices of materials for their top housings. The Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Crystal Violet opts for an ABS top housing. ABS is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings, and it lends itself to a comparatively lower-pitched sound profile. This gives the Crystal Violet a different auditory experience when typing compared to the Crystal, with a deeper and potentially softer tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Crystal Violet exhibit similar traits. They both utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is once again due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound when the keys are bottomed-out. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetics of the switches, providing an attractive look to those who enjoy the visual aspect of their mechanical keyboards. While the top housings may differ between the Crystal and the Crystal Violet, the use of polycarbonate as their bottom housing ensures a similar sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
When considering the impact of each housing material on the overall experience of typing, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing are apparent when a key is pressed down, while the qualities of the top housing affect the sound when a key is released. Therefore, with the Outemu Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect a more distinct and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing may result in a slightly lower-pitched sound profile during the press. Similarly, the top housing of the Outemu Crystal will contribute to a lively and crisp sound when keys are released, whereas the ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet may result in a slightly different sound experience when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches require a force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke and 55 grams to bottom out. This makes them both fall into the medium-light category in terms of weight.
Considering weight is important for different reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find it more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. A lighter switch allows for a smoother and lighter keystroke, reducing fatigue over time. This could make it a desirable choice for a keyboard that is frequently used for work or for intense gaming marathons.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, a switch with a heavier force provides the desired tactile feedback and resistance. This can result in a more satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches.
In this case, both the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Crystal Violet cater to those who prefer a medium-light switch. Their identical actuation and bottom out forces ensure that users will get similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will likely come down to other factors such as build quality, durability, and personal preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It does not have a distinctive acoustic signature and is not particularly high-pitched or chirpy. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound experience, both switches will provide similar results.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished. This indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The switch has reduced friction and offers smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy and mild. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch provides a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has a tactile feedback that feels more mild compared to switches with a bigger bump. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, with the Crystal Violet offering a slightly softer touch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, providing a unique and linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, mild feel, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately depends on personal preference. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, the Crystal linear switch can provide a similar typing experience as the Crystal Violet switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and smooth linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal switches would be a great choice for you. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and provide a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a lighter operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are ideal. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile. Overall, the Crystal switches are polished and provide a sleek typing experience, while the Crystal Violet switches are creamy and offer a smooth and buttery sensation. Ultimately, the decision between Outemu Crystal linear switches and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches depends on your preferred typing experience and sound profile.
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