Durock Medium Tactile vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and Jerrzi Violet both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is praised for its gentle tactile feel, smooth actuation, and pleasingly poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the Violet switch falls into the stepped and neutral categories. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jerrzi Violet use polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, these switches offer a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Thus, both switches will offer a similar sound experience due to their shared top housing material.
In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Violet also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same depth and fullness in sound production. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jerrzi Violet differ in material, the overall typing experience is influenced by a combination of both. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials of the two switches may vary, the overall typing experience can be fairly consistent and similar due to the balanced combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we see some notable differences. The Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Contrastingly, the Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Medium Tactile. However, the bottom out force of the Violet is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Violet would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that regardless of choice, users will get a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Medium Tactile being on the longer side and the Violet being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Violet switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may prefer the Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches deliver satisfying sound feedback, but the Medium Tactile may appeal more to those looking for a distinctive sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides an accented tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being noticeable but not overwhelming. It also has a stepped feel, offering a two-stage typing experience for added tactility. Additionally, the switch is described as mild and polished, ensuring a smooth and comfortable keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch also offers a stepped feel, providing a gentle tactility that is not too pronounced. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Medium Tactile catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Durock Medium Tactile and Jerrzi Violet switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Medium Tactile excels in providing a distinctive sound signature and a balanced tactile feedback, appealing to those looking for something out of the ordinary. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild tactile response, suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing. However, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation and a poppy tactility with a neutral sound signature, the Jerrzi Violet switches might be more suited to your typing needs. Consider factors such as actuation force, tactility, sound profile, and overall typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
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