Jerrzi Violet vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Violet and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Violet and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, there are clear distinctions to consider. The Violet is a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and pleasant tactility, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch ideal for those seeking a more delicate typing experience, especially during long periods of use, with a crisp sound profile thanks to its material blend. While the Violet provides a poppy tactility, the Yanyu offers a subtler and polished 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Violet and the SP-Star Yanyu offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Violet's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the unique blend in the Yanyu provides a distinctive sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Violet's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing contributes to a pleasant and brighter sound profile, complementing the sound produced by the top housing blend. These different characteristics in the bottom housing materials of the two switches impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced during bottoming out and releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the Jerrzi Violet and the SP-Star Yanyu offer distinct qualities, the split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience that combines the best of both materials. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether using the polycarbonate and nylon combination of the Violet or the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu, users can expect a balance of crispness, brightness, and resonance in their typing sound profiles.
Weight
The Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet is unknown. When comparing the two, it is evident that the Yanyu requires less force both to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yanyu would be the ideal choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Violet switch may be more suitable due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Violet may appeal to those looking for a quicker keystroke, while the Yanyu offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Overall, both switches provide a similar typing experience with only a slight variation in 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, both the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for various environments and preferences. However, the Yanyu switch also offers a thocky sound profile, which adds a deep and satisfying sound element to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is known for its stepped tactile feedback, providing a two-stage typing experience with mild tactility. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing feel, described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. The Yanyu switch requires little exertion to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Violet switch offering a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Yanyu switch.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch both offer unique typing experiences with their own strengths. While the Violet switch provides a smoother actuation and poppy tactility with a balanced sound profile, the Yanyu switch offers a delicate and feathery typing feel with a crisp sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience desired. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches will find a quality option regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth actuation and gentle tactile feedback, the Violet switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing habits to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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