Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Durock Daybreak linear switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Crystal Violet offers a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, perfect for a relaxed and stepped tactile feel. On the other hand, the Daybreak provides a weightier typing experience at 67g, ideal for those who prefer a more significant touch while maintaining a quiet operation. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a mellow auditory experience, while the Daybreak offers a more muted sound profile. In general, the Crystal Violet is best suited for those looking for a creamy, mild, and neutral typing experience, while the Daybreak is ideal for individuals seeking a polished and low-pitched typing 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which gives it a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Daybreak's housing creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing also contributes to a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing.
On the bottom housing side, the Crystal Violet and Daybreak differ in materials once again. The Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing, contributing to its low-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the Daybreak's bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
In terms of overall sound experience, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and Durock Daybreak play a significant role. The split between top and bottom housings in switches allows for different qualities to be felt and heard during use. The ABS and polycarbonate materials offer distinct sound profiles, with the ABS providing a lower-pitched sound and the polycarbonate offering a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Daybreak creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the ABS bottom housing in the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Daybreak is the heavier option with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The actuation force of the Crystal Violet provides a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback, while the Daybreak offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer than the Daybreak. Gamers may prefer the Daybreak for its slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, characterized by a mellow and subtle tone that is not intrusive. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches aim to minimize noise while still offering a satisfying sound feedback for the user, ultimately providing similar results in terms of sound quality.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized as polished, providing a refined and sleek typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Crystal Violet switch focuses on a buttery feel with a stepped tactile feedback, the Daybreak switch emphasizes a polished touch for a different typing experience. Depending on personal preference for typing feel, users can choose between the creamy and stepped sensation of the Crystal Violet or the polished and refined touch of the Daybreak switch.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Violet switch provides a low-pitched and creamy typing experience with a stepped tactile feedback, the Daybreak switch offers a muted and polished sensation with a refined touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to their liking.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet with its 55g bottom out force and low-pitched sound profile may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier typing experience with a muted sound, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force and quiet operation could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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