Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Darling stand out as unique options with distinct characteristics. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, boasts a light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet offers a gentle and comfortable feel during use. On the other hand, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. This switch delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating an engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. Each switch has its own unique qualities, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Darling both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing, while the Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profile can significantly influence the typing experience for users, with the ABS housing offering a softer sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate housing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Darling allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, providing a visual appeal that the Crystal Violet may lack.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Crystal Violet and the Darling also differ significantly. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, which results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing, similar to its ABS top housing. Conversely, the Darling features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon material. This difference in sound profile between the switches' bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing offering a more cushioned and less resonant sound compared to the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Darling play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Crystal Violet's ABS housing materials result in a relatively low-pitched sound profile for both the top and bottom housings, the Darling's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials produce sharper and deeper sound profiles, respectively. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Crystal Violet offering a softer and more uniform sound while the Darling provides a crisper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and the visual appeal of the housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Violet has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams. This means that while both switches provide a medium-light typing experience, the Crystal Violet may feel slightly heavier when bottoming out. This difference in bottom out force may be noticeable to some users, with the Darling feeling slightly lighter overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Darling may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Darling has a shorter travel distance compared to the Everglide Crystal Violet switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal Violet is more traditional and provides a deeper keypress feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Darling offers a faster response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper keypress feel or a quicker response time.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, offering a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound with a resonant quality upon bottoming out, creating a more engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. If you prefer a softer sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be more suitable, while the Darling offers a crisper and more pronounced sound for a different typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that melts into each keystroke. It is described as having a stepped feel, providing a gentle and approachable tactile typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and springy responsiveness, adding a lively feel and rebound to each key press. Whether you prefer a more cushioned and gradual keystroke or a more resilient and elastic feedback, these descriptions offer a clear distinction in typing feel between the two switches.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best suited for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, while the KTT Darling linear switch caters to users looking for a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, selecting between the Crystal Violet and Darling switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, more subtle typing experience or a more lively and engaging feedback when typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, consider the nuances of sound and feel that each switch offers. If you prefer a more relaxed and subtle tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy feel and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Darling switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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