Gateron Melodic vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Violet stand out as top choices for users seeking a premium typing experience. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that redefines the category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery feel with a resonant and invigorating crunch. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch known for its gentle actuation and poppy tactility, offering a stepped and neutral typing experience. While the Melodic is ideal for those who enjoy a classic clicky sound, the Violet appeals to users looking for a balanced and enjoyable 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Violet feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic qualities in both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Melodic and the Violet differ in their bottom housing materials. The Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Violet's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. Therefore, users may notice a difference in sound and feel between the switches when pressing down on the keys, with the Melodic offering a deeper bottom-out sound compared to the Violet.
Overall, while both the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Violet share polycarbonate top housings with similar sound profiles, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Violet's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a crisper and clearer typing sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may choose one switch over the other based on the bottom housing material that best suits their typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Melodic clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Violet tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, with no information provided regarding the bottom out force. This makes the Violet switch lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Melodic switch, assuming the bottom out force of the Violet switch is also lower. Choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences, with the Melodic switch providing a medium actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Violet switch offering a lighter actuation force for those who prefer longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate switch would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Melodic switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet switch, making it a bit more traditional in terms of key press depth. The shorter travel distance of the Violet switch may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Melodic switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, with the Melodic switch being slightly longer and the Violet switch being slightly shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing users with a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, suitable for various typing purposes with a moderate actuation force and sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In comparison, the Violet switch provides a stepped tactile sensation, feeling more mild with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel experiences for users to enjoy. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the resonant and crunchy sound of the Melodic switch or the neutral and balanced sound of the Violet switch. Similarly, users can opt for the buttery and invigorating feel of the Melodic switch or the stepped tactile sensation of the Violet switch. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience the user is looking to achieve with their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, you should consider several factors. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a resonant or crunchy sound profile that provides a buttery or invigorating typing experience, then the Gateron Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no defined bottom out force and a neutral sound profile that offers a stepped tactile feel, then the Jerrzi Violet switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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