Cherry MX Brown vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet both offer tactile feedback, but with subtly different characteristics. The MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, providing a light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are praised for their smooth actuation and poppy tactility, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the MX Brown leans towards a gentler typing experience, while the Jerrzi Violet offers a more pronounced tactility. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet switches have distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and feel of typing. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer their own unique sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown produces a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jerrzi Violet provides a more clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, and in this aspect, the nylon material of both the MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet contributes to a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While the top housing material of the Cherry MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet switches differ, with nylon and polycarbonate, respectively, both provide unique sound profiles. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Whether using the MX Brown or Jerrzi Violet switches, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both share a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Brown requires 55 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel compared to the Jerrzi Violet, where the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet may be more suitable, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet. A 0.3 mm might not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the keys feel when typing or gaming. The MX Brown may provide a slightly deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet's slightly shorter travel distance could offer faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers who want quick key presses. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Brown 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 Brown switches offer a bassier and low-pitched typing experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches have a neutral sound signature, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound profile suitable for various typing environments. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback that adds to the overall typing experience, with the MX Brown leaning towards a deeper tone and the Violet offering a more neutral tone. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches may come down to personal taste and the additional factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their textured feel, which can provide a tactile sensation with noticeable friction during key presses. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches are described as stepped switches, offering a smoother and more subtle tactile feedback compared to the MX Browns. The stepped feel of the Violets gives users a sense of two stages during key presses, allowing for a more controlled and slightly less pronounced tactility. Whether one prefers a textured typing experience with noticeable friction or a stepped feel with a gentler tactility is subjective and dependent on individual typing preferences.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Brown switches provide a bassier and textured typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a more neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference, typing style, and the desired typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. It is recommended to try both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Brown and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more subtle and light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth actuation and poppy tactility with a balanced and enjoyable typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switches might be a better fit for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the bottom out force of each switch, to make an informed decision on which one best suits your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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