Cherry MX Black vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the Jerrzi Violet offer unique typing experiences. The MX Black is a linear switch known for its low-pitched, textured, and stiff feel, perfect for those who prefer a classic and smooth typing experience with a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch that provides a gentle and smooth actuation with a pleasingly poppy tactility, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and Jerrzi Violet both use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Violet features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Violet creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Black. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches share a similar nylon bottom housing, the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing contrasts with the Jerrzi Violet's polycarbonate top housing. The Cherry MX Black's sound profile is characterized by its deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the nylon top housing, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the Violet's clear polycarbonate top housing is visually distinctive and suitable for showcasing RGB lighting effects, unlike the opaque appearance of the MX Black's nylon top housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and Jerrzi Violet comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference lies in their top housing material. The Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing offers a softer, more absorbent sound quality, creating a duller tone. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, crisper sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Whether you prefer the classic sound of nylon or the sharpness of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Violet switch lighter. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is difficult to compare in that aspect. The MX Black is heavier overall with an 80-gram bottom out force, while the Violet's bottom out force is not specified. The weight of the switches can impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions, and heavier switches giving a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Jerrzi Violet switch, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the Violet has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.7 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the MX Black. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being more common, the slight difference may be noticeable to those who are particularly sensitive to key press feedback. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet for quicker response times, but some individuals may find the abrupt feeling less appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black offers a low-pitched and deep sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch has a neutral sound signature, striking a balance between volume and tone that is suitable for most users. The choice of keycaps and keyboard housing can also influence the overall sound of the switches, so it's important to consider these factors when selecting a switch based on sound preference.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff characteristics, offering a tactile sensation that requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a stepped tactile feel, offering a more subtle differentiation between pre-travel and post-travel stages compared to the MX Black. Some users may prefer the smoother and gentler tactility of the Violet switch, while others may appreciate the more defined texture and stiffness of the MX Black for a more pronounced typing experience.
Considering all available information, it is clear that the Cherry MX Black and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Black provides a deeper sound profile and a more textured and stiff feel, the Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfactory results. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's typing style and environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for key weight and actuation force. If you prefer a heavier key press with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the MX Black may be the best choice for you. Its smooth texture and deep sound profile make it a popular choice for those seeking a classic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a gentle tactile feel with an unknown bottom out force, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be more to your liking. It offers a smooth actuation and a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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