Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a relaxed and stepped typing experience with its light operating force of 45g. It provides a gentle and comfortable feel, accompanied by a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. On the other hand, the WS Morandi is a linear switch that combines innovation with visual aesthetics. Its ultra-smooth experience is enhanced by a light-diffusing column for mesmerizing RGB visuals. With a unique dry and airy smoothness provided by the UPE stem, the Morandi switches strike the perfect balance between form and function. They produce a slightly more muted sound profile compared to the Crystal Violet. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, one noticeable difference is the material used for the top housing. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. Typing on switches with ABS top housing results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the WS Morandi uses POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound. The sound profile of POM is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Therefore, while both switches have different top housing materials, they do provide distinct sound profiles, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards a lower pitch and the WS Morandi offering a deeper and more muted sound.
Another difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. Again, ABS is not commonly used in switch housings, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches with ABS bottom housing. On the other hand, the WS Morandi employs POM for its bottom housing. As mentioned earlier, POM creates a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. Therefore, both switches exhibit different sound profiles due to the different materials used for their bottom housing, with the Crystal Violet providing a low-pitched sound and the WS Morandi offering a deeper and more muted sound.
It is important to note that despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience of both switches may still result in similar outcomes. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Thus, regardless of whether it is ABS or POM, the bottom housing will contribute to the switch's overall sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi may have different top and bottom housing materials, they can still yield similar results in terms of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces differ. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 60 grams, which is considered medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet would be the suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter than those of the WS Morandi. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue and is ideal for those who frequently use their keyboard for work or for extended gaming sessions.
However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the WS Morandi switch. Although its actuation force is unavailable, the bottom out force of 60 grams provides a stronger push sensation, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. These individuals prioritize the feeling of the key being pressed down firmly and may find the heavier weight of the WS Morandi switch more suitable for their needs.
In conclusion, while the Crystal Violet is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a medium-light typing experience, the WS Morandi is slightly heavier, resulting in a medium typing feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style, with the Crystal Violet offering a lighter touch and the WS Morandi providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Morandi switch more suitable for gamers or individuals looking for faster response times, as the shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when pressing down on a key, the Crystal Violet switch with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer their own advantages, but it is important to consider whether a shorter or longer travel distance better suits one's typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi comes in at $4.30 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, both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they both produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Crystal Violet switches are described as having a pleasantly mellow sound, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, which can be attributed in part to the rare and special use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches offer a slightly more muted sound profile. They are described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. They have a mild tactile feel, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The stepped design of these switches gives a two-staged tactile sensation, with pre-travel and/or post-travel that can be felt. On the other hand, the WS Morandi linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, with the Crystal Violet offering a stepped tactile experience and the WS Morandi offering a smooth linear experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have a few subjective qualities in common. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. They also offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the Crystal Violet switch having a mild and stepped tactile feel, while the WS Morandi switch provides a more uniform and silky linear feel. While the Crystal Violet switches are known for their relaxed and stepped tactile experience and mellow sound, the WS Morandi switches excel in their visual aesthetics and enhanced RGB visuals. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback, desired sound profile, and visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams and a light operating force of 45 grams, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow and leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, these switches feature ABS housings, adding to their unique sound profile.
On the other hand, if visual aesthetics and a smooth linear feel are what you're after, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches strike a balance between form and function. The WS Morandi switches feature an innovative column that diffuses light, enhancing RGB visual effects. The UPE stem provides a dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, giving a distinct typing experience. The sound profile of the WS Morandi switches is slightly more muted, adding to their overall appeal.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the WS Morandi switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider whether you prioritize a stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile (Crystal Violet) or a visually aesthetic, smooth linear typing experience with a slightly muted sound (WS Morandi). Both switches offer unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns with your typing preferences and desired aesthetics.
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