Kailh Plum vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Plum and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options for tactile enthusiasts. The Plum stands out for its unique combination of weightiness without a significant tactile bump, offering a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet switches are lauded for their smooth actuation and pleasant poppy tactility, providing a balanced and satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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 Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Violet both have a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the lighting to shine through. However, their nylon bottom housings differ slightly in sound profile, with the Plum featuring a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, while the Violet creates a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the subtle differences in the sound profile created by the nylon bottom housing of the Plum and Violet can impact the overall typing experience. The Plum's deeper sound profile may appeal to those who prefer a more robust typing sound, while the Violet's rounder sound profile may be preferred by those who enjoy a softer typing experience. The split qualities of the different housing materials can be felt when pressing down on the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear housing of both the Plum and Violet, thanks to the polycarbonate material, offers a modern and sleek look that complements the RGB lighting of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in both switches also ensures a more resonant and clear sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the nylon bottom housings of the Plum and Violet may create slightly different sound profiles, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures that users will experience similar results in terms of sound clarity and brightness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Violet switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, lighter than the Plum, but its bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Plum switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas the Violet switch would be lighter and more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their own strengths, with the Plum offering a heavier feel and the Violet providing a lighter touch, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall in the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable in daily use, as they both offer a similar level of responsiveness. For those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses, the Jerrzi Violet switch with the longer travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster and more immediate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 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, both the Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Violet switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a pleasant typing experience suitable for various uses. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps attached.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Plum is noted for its hefty feel without a significant tactile bump, providing a unique typing experience compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, creating a gentle typing experience without a pronounced bump. Both switches fall under the descriptor of "stepped," meaning they have a mild tactile feel with distinct stages in the keystroke.
Overall, both the Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Violet switches offer a balanced typing experience with neutral sound profiles and a mild tactile feel. While the Plum may stand out for its weightiness and unique tactility, the Violet switch provides a smooth and gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Plum tactile switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth actuation and gentle tactile feedback, along with a neutral sound signature, then the Violet switch might be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience, so it ultimately depends on what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch will best enhance your overall typing experience.
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