KTT Cream Yellow vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow, a linear switch, and the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch. The Cream Yellow excels in providing a uniquely bouncy typing experience with a distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring offers a satisfyingly responsive feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a light operating force of 45g and a gentle and comfortable feel, these switches are ideal for those seeking a creamy, low-pitched, and mild typing experience. The use of ABS in the switch housings also adds to a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ significantly in terms of both sound profile and rarity of use. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is equipped with an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile while typing. This makes the Cream Yellow more suitable for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant sound, while the Crystal Violet is better suited for individuals who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Cream Yellow and the Crystal Violet also differ. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound while typing. In contrast, the Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing, which provides a low-pitched sound profile when typing. Here again, the Cream Yellow offers a more resonant sound, while the Crystal Violet offers a quieter typing experience.
It is important to note that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are divided between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing the key. Therefore, while the Cream Yellow and the Crystal Violet may have different housing materials, the overall typing experience may still be similar due to the impact of the bottom and top housings on the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Cream Yellow is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is slightly lighter, requiring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, providing a comfortable typing experience for most users. However, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Crystal Violet provides a slightly lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Crystal Violet may be the better choice. On the contrary, those seeking a more solid and pronounced typing sensation may find the Cream Yellow to be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer reliable actuation and bottom out forces, and the choice between them will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, we can see that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Yellow being slightly shallower and the Crystal Violet being closer to the traditional 4.0 mm mark. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper, more satisfying keypress may opt for the Crystal Violet with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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.
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, the Cream Yellow switch is known for producing a distinctive clacky sound. When pressed, it provides a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, giving a satisfying feedback to the typist. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a pleasantly mellow sound profile, with a leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The sound of the switches is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. However, if you prefer a clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch would be a suitable choice, while the Crystal Violet switch provides a more relaxed and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. Typing on these switches provides a sense of rebound and liveliness. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switch construction. Typing on these switches gives a silky sensation, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch falls under the mild category, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It offers a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. However, if you prefer a bouncy and spring-like typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch would be a better choice, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing sensation.
Based on the available information, the Cream Yellow and Crystal Violet switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch delivers a clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a low-pitched sound with a creamy and mild typing feel. The sound is pleasant and mellow, while typing on these switches is smooth and buttery. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a more energetic and crisp typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a relaxed and comfortable typing experience with a lower-pitched sound, the Crystal Violet switch would be a better option. It's important to consider personal preference and the desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a distinct and clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, it delivers a uniquely resonant audio feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile, the Crystal Violet tactile switch would suit you better. With its light operating force, ABS housings, and gentle and comfortable feel, it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with a subtle and low-pitched auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Crystal Violet switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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