Jerrzi Violet vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Violet and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, and two notable options are the Jerrzi Violet and the Gateron Weightlessness, both of which fall under the category of tactile switches. The Jerrzi Violet is celebrated for its gentle tactile feedback and a smooth actuation that culminates in a satisfying pop with each keystroke. This switch provides a neutral sound signature, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable typing experience that suits both casual typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, creating a refined typing experience that prioritizes a balanced sound profile to complement its tactile characteristics. Both switches have their unique strengths—while the Violet's pronounced tactility may appeal to those who enjoy a more responsive feel, the Weightlessness is ideal for users seeking a more understated, yet still satisfying, typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Violet and the Gateron Weightlessness switches differ significantly in their top housings, ultimately affecting the sound profile produced by each switch. The Jerrzi Violet features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature due to the material’s stiffness. Polycarbonate's transparency also allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard setup. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile; this is a direct result of nylon’s softer texture, which absorbs more sound and reduces resonance. Therefore, when it comes to the characteristics imparted by the top housing, users can expect a pronounced difference between the two switches, with the Violet favoring a brighter sound and the Weightlessness leaning toward a more muted tonality.
Conversely, both the Jerrzi Violet and Gateron Weightlessness share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. As a result, both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound when keys are bottomed out. The nylon's softer structure means that sound is absorbed rather than reflected, creating a rounder and more comfortable typing experience. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing will lead to similar results when it comes to the feel and sound during bottom-out actions—regardless of the differing top housings. Both switches leverage this common material to ensure that users experience a satisfying tactile response, contributing to a more enjoyable typing experience, although the overall sound profile will still differ due to the attributes of their respective top housings.
In summary, while the bottom housings of both the Jerrzi Violet and Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon to create a similar sound experience when keys are fully pressed, the top housing materials diverge sharply in their impact on aesthetics and sound profile. The polycarbonate of the Violet produces a brighter and more resonant experience, which is particularly notable during key releases, while the nylon of the Weightlessness cultivates a sound environment that is deeper and more subdued. Consequently, the combined effect of these housing materials means that users can enjoy a richer sound experience overall, with the top housings distinctly influencing the auditory feedback during different phases of key action.
Weight
The Jerrzi Violet tactile switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Violet switch is lighter, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions, such as those working in an office setting or engaging in marathon gaming. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means we cannot compare this aspect directly. This lack of information suggests that the overall feel when pressing the switches all the way down may differ in ways that are currently unassessable. As it stands, users looking for a lighter typing experience might gravitate towards the Jerrzi Violet, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Gateron Weightlessness due to its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Jerrzi Violet features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Violet switch provides a slightly deeper feel, which some users might find more satisfying and substantial when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for faster gameplay. Ultimately, if you prioritize a brisk and responsive keypress, the Weightlessness would be the more suitable choice, while the Violet might serve those who prefer the tactile depth of a longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 considering the sound characteristics of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it's clear that they offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various environments, whether at home or work. This neutral sound signature is characterized by a moderate actuation force and appealing acoustics that won't disrupt your surroundings, making them ideal for the keyboard user who appreciates a balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches also present a balanced sound profile, enhancing their tactile qualities without introducing excessive noise. In this case, both switches share a desirable sound quality that caters to different user preferences, ensuring a discreet yet satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of each switch, the Violet tactile switch is known for its gentle tactile response. It has a stepped profile, which means the tactile feedback occurs in distinct stages during the keystroke. This design provides a smooth actuation that many users find enjoyable and engaging, as it allows for a little bit of pre-travel or post-travel feel. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches are described as offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel, suggesting that while they are tactile, they may not provide the same pronounced feedback as the Violet switches. The difference in tactile engagement may lead to varied typing experiences, with the Violet offering a more pronounced tactile sensation while Weightlessness may appeal to those who prefer a gentler feedback.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Violet and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches cater to keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a refined typing experience. The Violet stands out with its neutral sound and gentle stepped tactile feel, making it exceptional for a balanced and enjoyable typing session. Conversely, the Weightlessness offers a subtler tactile sensation while still maintaining a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying results from either switch, though personal preference will likely dictate which one becomes the favored choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Violet and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches, consider the typing experience you desire and the environments you'll be using them in. If you prefer a gentle tactile feel with a smoothly executed actuation and a pleasingly poppy feedback, the Jerrzi Violet would be an excellent choice. This switch excels in providing a balanced typing experience that is great for various settings, whether you're typing at home, in the office, or even during a gaming session. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more subtle tactile response without compromising on sound and overall feel, the Gateron Weightlessness may suit you better. This switch offers a moderate tactile push with a balanced audio profile, making it an ideal option for quieter environments or those who prioritize a more restrained typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on whether you want the vibrant, enjoyable feedback of the Violet or the understated, balanced feel of the Weightlessness, each tailored to distinct preferences and use cases.
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