Keygeek Keylin vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Violet represent two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, providing a premium typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch, offering gentle tactile feedback that delivers satisfying actuation without overwhelming sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile sensation while maintaining a neutral sound profile. While the Keylin caters to users seeking a seamless and quiet typing experience, the Violet appeals to those who prefer a bit of tactile feedback with each keystroke. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Violet keyboard switches showcase a stark contrast in their top housing materials, with the Keylin utilizing nylon and the Violet opting for polycarbonate. Nylon, employed in the Keylin's top housing, is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that creates a duller and rounder auditory experience when keys are pressed. This characteristic is largely attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which dampens sound rather than amplifying it. In contrast, the Violet's polycarbonate top housing introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer plastic properties. The increased clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate significantly alters the auditory feedback, making it more suitable for users who prefer a crisp keystroke sound alongside a vivid RGB lighting effect due to its translucency.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, it becomes evident that both the Keylin and Violet utilize nylon, leading to similar characteristics in the bottom-out feel and sound. The inclusion of nylon in both switches ensures a consistently deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, primarily affecting how users experience the keys when they bottom out. This gives both switches a recognizable auditory feedback, promoting a cohesive typing experience that is softer and less jarring compared to switches with harder plastic in the bottom housing. The shared use of nylon at the base allows for a uniform tactile response, providing typists with satisfying resistance as they engage the keys.
Overall, the differing top housing materials between the Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Violet create distinct auditory profiles, while the shared nylon presence in the bottom housings ensures a consistent tactile sound experience. This combination allows users to appreciate the vibrancy of a sharper sound from the Violet, while still experiencing the comforting depth from the Keylin's bottom housing. Consequently, the unique attributes derived from each switch can enhance the overall keyboard experience, accommodating a broader range of user preferences in both sound dynamics and tactile feedback. As a result, one can achieve a desirable balance between clarity and richness, making both switches attractive options depending on individual typing style and sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Keylin is notably lighter, featuring an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the Violet switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and lacks a specified bottom out force. This makes the Keylin more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, allowing for less strain over time. Conversely, the Violet's heavier actuation force caters to those who favor a firmer push for a more substantial typing experience. Although both switches exhibit different actuation forces, the absence of the bottom out force measurement for the Violet means we cannot directly compare this aspect with the Keylin. Thus, while the Keylin may be ideal for comfort over longer periods, the Violet may appeal to users looking for more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Keylin is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses, aligning with the trend of shorter travel distances for enhanced performance. On the other hand, the Violet, with its 3.7 mm travel, offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing experience, as shorter travel distances can sometimes feel too abrupt for some users. In summary, if you value responsiveness, the Keygeek Keylin would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Jerrzi Violet would be ideal.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics, which contribute to a premium typing experience. This suggests a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch. The Violet, on the other hand, features a neutral sound signature. This means that while the Keylin may resonate with a fuller sound, the Violet provides a moderate auditory experience that strikes a balance, making it versatile for different environments. However, it's essential to note that the sound characteristics of both switches can vary based on factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, allowing for a seamless keystroke without tactile bump interruptions. This smoothness is complemented by the lack of tactile feedback typical of linear switches, making it more consistent through the entire keypress. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch is categorized as a stepped tactile switch. This means it provides a gentler tactile feedback, characterized by a subtle two-stage actuation. This allows the user to experience a mild tactile sensation, giving more feedback than a linear switch but not overwhelming as with highly tactile options.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Keylin linear switch excels in providing a smooth and rich typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a balanced auditory profile with gentle tactile feedback. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize the smooth actuation of the Keylin or the tactile nuances of the Violet. Both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to different tactile and auditory preferences that can shape your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light touch and a smooth, uninterrupted key press, the Keylin linear switch is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for satisfying acoustics and an overall premium experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers seeking quick and responsive feedback without any tactile bumps to slow them down. On the other hand, if you appreciate a gentle tactile sensation that provides slight feedback while typing, the Jerrzi Violet switch is likely to be more appealing. Its neutral sound profile and stepped feel can create a balanced and pleasant typing experience, making it suitable for both casual use and more extensive typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what you value most in your typing experience: the smoothness and speed of the Keylin or the tactile feedback of the Violet, as this will guide you towards the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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