Durock Light Tactile vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock light tactile and the Jerrzi violet mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their own unique characteristics. The light tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a soft and smooth typing experience that stands out among sharper tactile switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi violet switches are known for their smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While both switches fall under the tactile category, the light tactile is categorized as neutral, mild, polished, while the violet is categorized as stepped, neutral. In general, the light tactile may appeal to those who prefer a softer tactile feedback, while the violet may suit those looking for a smoother actuation. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and Jerrzi Violet both share a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Light Tactile featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Violet also uses a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Light Tactile and Violet switches have the same polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials will impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will have more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of housing materials highlights the importance of both top and bottom housings in creating a unique typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Light Tactile and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, especially when showcasing RGB lighting effects, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Although both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the use of different bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, it is evident that the Light Tactile is the heavier of the two. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Violet switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Tactile would be more suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, while the Violet may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we can see that the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Light Tactile offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Violet's shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, which is favored by gamers looking for quick reactions. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference between the two may result in a noticeable variation in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Light Tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its gentle tactility, resulting in a soft and jelly-like sound signature. This switch is best suited for those who prefer a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch also boasts a gentle tactility with a pleasingly poppy feel. It has a more neutral sound signature, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Despite the differences in sound and feel characteristics, both switches fall under the neutral category in terms of sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, choosing between the Light Tactile and Violet switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a smoother and gentler tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more poppy and balanced tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Violet switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility and sound. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.