Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh Plum. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but each has unique characteristics that set them apart. The Moyu Black stands out with its sharp tactile feel, thanks to its strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke bump. This creates a hypertactile sensation and delivers a distinctive typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly sharp and punchy sound. On the other hand, the Plum switch feels hefty but does not feature a significant tactile bump, making it incredibly unique among other tactile switches. It offers a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine which switch is the best fit for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh Plum differ significantly in terms of sound profiles. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Plum incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches feature a PBT bottom housing for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and a nylon bottom housing for the Plum. Although PBT is relatively unseen in switch housings, it also provides a neutral sound profile similar to nylon. However, nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Plum's nylon bottom housing may offer a slightly different sound experience compared to the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade).
In terms of the overall impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch when pressed down. This means that the qualities of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the top housing material primarily affects the sound that is produced when you let go of a key. Therefore, the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh Plum will result in variations in sound profiles and tactile feedback, particularly during typing and key release. However, both switches are likely to offer satisfying results with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Plum's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Moyu Black at 67 grams and the Plum at 70 grams. It is evident that the Moyu Black is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is advantageous for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Plum offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Despite the variable actuation force between the two, their similar bottom out forces ensure that users will achieve comparable results when fully pressing down on the keys.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have different travel distances. The Moyu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional travel distance, the Moyu Black falls on the longer end at 4 mm, while the Plum is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke, the Everglide Moyu Black with its longer travel distance could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a resonant typing experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. This switch provides a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience, which adds to the overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum has a neutral sound profile that is moderate and enjoyable. The sound produced by the Plum switch is suitable for various purposes, making it a versatile choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is characterized by an accented and sharp tactile sensation. The switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It provides a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. On the contrary, the Kailh Plum offers a milder typing experience. It falls into the mild category of mechanical keyboard switches, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Plum switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh Plum tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a sharp and distinctive tactile bump, resulting in a hypertactile sensation. It also produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum offers a milder tactile experience with a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a sharper and more pronounced tactility with a resonant sound, the Moyu Blacks are a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder and more versatile typing experience, the Kailh Plums would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that the choice of a keyboard board and keycaps will also contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a sharp and distinctive typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. With their medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, the Moyu Blacks provide a unique and impactful typing experience. In terms of sound, they offer a resonant profile, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more moderate and approachable typing feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great option. These switches feel quite hefty but don't feature a huge tactile bump, making them incredibly unique. The Plum switches provide a mild and stepped typing experience, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They have a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a sharp and distinct typing feel with a resonant sound profile, go for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). If you prefer a more moderate and approachable typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum would be a better fit. Consider your typing style, preferences, and the type of typing experience you desire to make an informed decision.
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