Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Everglide Moyu Black and the Gateron Type L mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself confronted with two distinct options. The Moyu Black offers a tactile typing experience, characterized by a sharp tactile feel and a unique blend of PBT housing for a premium touch. With strong downstroke and upstroke bumps, these switches provide a hypertactile sensation and a satisfyingly punchy sound while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is a linear switch that is part of a modernization project, offering a lighter actuation force of 45g and a subdued, feathery sound signature. While the Moyu Blacks are accentuated, resonant, and sharp, the Type L switches are neutral, subdued, feathery, and easy to press. However, to truly determine the best switch for your needs, let's delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each to make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Gateron Type L, it is clear that they differ in composition. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, known for its neutral sound profile and lack of crispness. On the other hand, the Type L utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. While both materials offer their own unique sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Type L may provide a more rounded and less sharp typing experience compared to the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade).
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also uses PBT, mirroring the qualities of the top housing with a neutral sound profile. In comparison, the Gateron Type L employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a typing experience that is softer and less pronounced with the Type L, compared to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) which maintains a consistent neutral sound profile throughout.
Overall, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Gateron Type L may have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, the impact on the typing experience may be similar. The PBT material in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a neutral sound profile, while the nylon material in the Type L creates a deeper and duller sound. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Type L linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. The bottom out force of the Moyu Black is also heavier at 67 grams, while the Type L only requires 45 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Type L switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Moyu Black may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar key press experience in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a comfortable distance for typing or gaming, allowing for efficient and satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to their other characteristics, such as actuation force or sound profile.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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
Overall, when comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is clear that they offer very different typing experiences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a sharp and impactful typing feel with a strong downstroke and even stronger upstroke bump, resulting in a hypertactile sensation. This switch produces a resonant, sharp, short, and punchy sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L offers a light and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Type L switch delivers a neutral and subdued sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. While the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is more accented and sharp in both feel and sound, the Type L is feathery and easy-to-press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp and distinct tactile feel with medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Type L linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing feel you prefer for your mechanical keyboard.
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