Kailh Box White vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Box White is a clicky switch that is famous for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch when typing. Its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with its crunchy and polished feel, make it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a different typing sensation. With a light operating force of 45g, it provides a relaxed and stepped tactile experience for typists looking for a gentle and comfortable feel. The switches' sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, resulting in a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS in the Crystal Violet's housings further enhances its creamy and mild feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches differ significantly. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet uses an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. ABS is a less common choice for switch housings but is commonly found in keycaps.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Box White and Crystal Violet switches also vary. The Box White incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, contributing to a relatively low-pitched sound when typing.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings is crucial; they determine different qualities of the switches. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Box White and Crystal Violet may have contrasting housing materials, the resulting user experience will be similar in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches exhibit variations in their housing materials. The Box White incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper sound profile, while the Crystal Violet uses an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound. Similarly, their bottom housings differ, with the Box White featuring nylon for a deeper sound and the Crystal Violet employing ABS for a lower pitch. Nevertheless, when comparing the overall user experience, both switches are likely to deliver similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, making them suitable for a variety of typists.
In terms of actuation force, the Box White requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Crystal Violet requires slightly less at 45 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet may feel slightly lighter and more responsive when typing. However, both switches still provide a satisfying tactile feedback upon actuation.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Crystal Violet's 55 grams. This means that the Box White will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, giving typists a stronger push feel when fully pressing down the keys. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch and want to minimize fatigue during long typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. If lightness and responsiveness are desired, the Crystal Violet may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing feel, the Box White may provide a better experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a medium weight profile that can cater to a wide range of typists.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is on the shorter side compared to the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Crystal Violet is more in line with the traditional distance, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box White offers a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive experience, which can be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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 Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a more mellow and low-pitched sound profile. The use of ABS in the switch housings contributes to a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of high-quality materials or factory lubing reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a range of feel options. The creamy variation provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The mild variation offers a gentle typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. Lastly, the stepped variation of the Crystal Violet switch adds a subtle tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. These options allow users to choose the level of tactile feedback that suits their preferences.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch excels in providing maximum audio feedback with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. It also offers a polished feel, resulting in a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It provides a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, and various feel options such as creamy, mild, and stepped. These switches cater to different preferences, whether one seeks a more immersive and crisp sound or a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a higher-pitched, crisp sound profile, then the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. Additionally, the Box White switches provide a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, along with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the one for you. With a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. The Crystal Violet switches are characterized by their creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. They are also considered stepped switches, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, go for the Box White. If you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, opt for the Crystal Violet. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so consider what you value most when making your decision.
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