Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star RedBlue are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Moyu Black is a tactile switch, known for its sharp tactile feel and premium typing experience. With a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, these switches create a hypertactile sensation which results in a distinctive and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue is a linear switch that is particularly suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. It offers a higher-pitched sound profile and is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it is important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch is the best fit for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star RedBlue differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, which provides a neutral sound profile. It is neither very crisp nor dull. In contrast, the RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housings, both switches utilize different materials. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) comes with a PBT bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This material offers a neutral sound profile and lacks sharp crispness. On the other hand, the RedBlue incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound experience. Moreover, its translucency complements the RGB lighting aspect, as seen in the top housing.
Considering the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing of a switch plays a more significant role during the pressing down phase. When pressing the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing determine the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, the materials used in the bottom housing, whether PBT or polycarbonate, will have a direct impact on this aspect. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, whether it is the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) or the polycarbonate top housing of the RedBlue, the properties of the respective materials will have a noticeable effect on the sound during key release.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium-heavy push to trigger a keystroke, while the RedBlue's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the Moyu Black's bottom out force is 67 grams, which is heavier than the RedBlue's 57 grams, indicating that the typing experience with the Moyu Black may feel more substantial.
Weight is an important consideration for keyboard users as it can impact typing endurance and overall comfort. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find themselves typing for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience, resulting in a preference for switches with heavier forces.
In terms of weight, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) can be considered the heavier option compared to the RedBlue. However, since the actuation force of the RedBlue is unknown, it is difficult to determine whether its lightness is comparable to the Moyu Black. Regardless, both switches offer medium actuation forces and differing bottom out forces, providing users with options that suit their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when typing or gaming.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers a resonant typing experience. You can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean, sharp, and immersive. The downstroke bump produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch is described as low-pitched, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is referred to as thocky, indicating that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the Moyu Black switch offers a resonant and sharp sound, while the RedBlue switch provides a low-pitched and thocky typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Moyu Black switch is described as accented and sharp. Accented tactile switches offer a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback. The sharp tactile bump of the Moyu Black switch is strong, crisp, and distinct with each keypress. As for the SP-Star RedBlue switch, it is described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. The polished finish of the RedBlue switch ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the typing experience. Both switches offer unique feelings, with the Moyu Black switch being accented and sharp, while the RedBlue switch provides a mild and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are known for their sharp and hypertactile sensation, offering a premium typing experience with a distinctive and impactful feel. They provide a resonant, sharp, and punchy sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. They have a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. While they offer different subjective qualities, both switches excel in their respective categories and deliver a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can choose either switch to achieve similar outstanding results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a distinct and impactful typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a sharp tactile feel with a strong downstroke and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The keypress produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. Additionally, these switches have a resonant sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches are particularly suited for those who want a more gentle typing experience. The RedBlue switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. They are also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch will depend on your preference for tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider factors such as bottom out force, the level of tactility, and the desired sound pitch to make an informed decision.
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