Keygeek Keylin vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Keylin, a linear switch renowned for its premium typing experience, offers rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an ideal choice for typists who prefer a seamless keystroke without any tactile feedback interruptions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), categorized as a tactile switch, provides a sharp and pronounced tactile feel, with a unique hypertactile sensation that enhances both the downstroke and upstroke of each keypress. While the Keylin is celebrated for its fluidity, the Moyu Black captivates users with its satisfying and punchy feedback, appealing to those who crave a more dynamic typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it is evident that there are significant differences that impact their performance and acoustic characteristics. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer, more absorbent properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality allows the Keylin switches to create a more rounded auditory experience when typing, making them particularly appealing for users who prefer a rich sound signature. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs PBT for both its top and bottom housing, which is less common in switch housings. PBT is recognized for providing a neutral sound profile; hence, users seeking a more balanced auditory feedback may find it preferable. While the Nylon in the Keylin might produce a more subdued, warmer sound, the Moyu Black’s PBT offers an experience that lacks extremes, resulting in a balanced and uncolored typing noise.
The construction of the switches influences the overall feel during use, where the characteristics of the housing materials play a crucial role. The Keylin's nylon housing contributes to a distinctive typing experience, enhancing the feeling of each keystroke with a certain depth owing to the material's natural characteristics. This creates a sense of richness and warmth when bottoming out the switch. In contrast, the Moyu Black's PBT housing presents a snappier and more responsive feedback, with each keystroke feeling precise and efficiently delivered. Despite these differences, both switches can yield satisfactory results depending on user preferences and typing styles. If one finds themselves implementing these switches into their setup, commonalities in their design can lead to similar experiences shaped by the particular sounds and tactile responses they provide.
Ultimately, the decision between the Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) can hinge significantly on the user’s sound and feel preferences. Each switch, with its distinct housing materials, presents a different auditory palette and tactile feedback. While the Keylin’s nylon delivers a warmer, fuller sound owing to its softer composition, the Moyu Black offers a more airy and neutral sound profile, leading to a cleaner keystroke experience. Despite being different in composition, the personalities of these switches emerge from their respective materials, which result in varied but equally enjoyable typing experiences. By understanding how the top and bottom housing materials interact, users can better appreciate the unique offerings of each manufacturer and tailor their keyboard experience to their individual needs.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for users who appreciate a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Moyu Black switch is noticeably heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This means that the Keylin is better for those seeking ease and comfort over longer periods, while the Moyu Black caters to those who favor tactile feedback and resistance. Ultimately, if one prioritizes a lighter touch, the Keylin switch is the clear choice, whereas the Moyu Black will appeal to users who enjoy a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a more responsive typing experience due to its reduced distance. In contrast, the Moyu Black's longer travel distance of 4 mm offers a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a deeper key press for a more tactile experience. Depending on your typing style, if you favor agility and quicker response times, you might find the Keylin more suitable, while the Moyu Black could be your choice if you seek that hearty depth in each keystroke. Overall, selecting between these switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Keylin linear switch is renowned for delivering rich acoustics that create a fulfilling auditory experience when typing. Although specific descriptions of its sound profile are not provided, linear switches are generally known for their quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches, which could mean the Keylin is likely to produce a smooth and consistent sound with minimal interruptions. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a distinctly resonant sound that features a clean, sharp quality during typing. Its sound profile is accentuated by the tactile response, producing sharp, snappy sounds that contribute to an engaging and immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch provides exceptional smoothness, which is a hallmark of linear switches. This smooth actuation means that users can expect a seamless keystroke experience without any tactile bumps to disrupt their flow. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch showcases a strong tactile feedback with its pronounced downstroke and an even more pronounced upstroke, resulting in a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks deliver a sharp tactile bump that provides a snappy and impactful typing experience as users feel a strong feedback with every keypress, making each action clear and satisfying.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Keylin offers a smooth, quiet experience ideal for users who appreciate linear switches, while the Moyu Black brings a heightened sense of tactility and acoustic feedback to every keystroke. Given these characteristics, newcomers will find that the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on their desired typing experience—whether they lean towards a more fluid, serene operation or a punchy, tactile engagement with a pronounced auditory signature.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between Keygeek Keylin linear switches and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preference and intended use. If you lean towards a lighter, smoother typing experience that emphasizes acoustics and a premium feel, then the Keylin will serve you well, especially for long hours of work or gaming where speed and fluidity are paramount. Its 48-gram actuation force makes rapid key presses effortless, ideal for those who prefer a gentle touch. On the other hand, if you enjoy strong tactile feedback and a unique auditory experience, the Moyu Black switches are designed for you. Their medium-heavy 67-gram actuation force, coupled with a pronounced tactile bump, offers that snappy, punchy feel you may crave, particularly for typing tasks where you want to feel each keystroke distinctly. The resonant sound profile adds to the immersion, making it rewarding to type on, although it may not be as quiet as the Keylin. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, linear experience or a tactile, engaging typing experience.
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