Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you are faced with a decision between a gentle and comfortable typing experience and a swift and effortless one. The Crystal Violet offers a relaxed and stepped tactile feel with a light operating force of 45g, ideal for those seeking a mellow and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character and poppy undertone, with a bottom-out force of just 47g, making it easy-to-press and silky smooth. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Flaming Purple differ in terms of the top and bottom housing materials used. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Crystal Violet and the Flaming Purple also differ. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing may not offer the same level of translucency as the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing, making it less ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Polycarbonate's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple may not offer the same visual impact as the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing.
While the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Flaming Purple offer different sound profiles and aesthetic qualities, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. The ABS and polycarbonate top housings contribute to distinct sound characteristics, with ABS offering a lower-pitched profile and polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple enhances the sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams while the Flaming Purple only needs 47 grams. This makes the Flaming Purple the lighter option overall compared to the Crystal Violet. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flaming Purple would be more suitable, as it requires less force both to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a bit more resistance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. In the end, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm. The Crystal Violet offers a slightly deeper key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Flaming Purple provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for swift key actuation. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the Crystal Violet catering to those who enjoy a deeper key press and the Flaming Purple appealing to users seeking a faster response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing 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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, creating a relaxed auditory experience that is not intrusive. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a slightly bassier sound profile with a touch of poppy undertones, adding an engaging flair to each keystroke. While both switches have different sound characteristics, they both offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance your typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. On the contrary, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience. While the Crystal Violet switch focuses on a creamy and stepped tactile sensation, the Flaming Purple switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Flaming Purple switches offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switch emphasizes a mellow and stepped tactile experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Flaming Purple switch provides a smooth and feathery typing feel with a slightly bassier sound. Depending on your personal preference for typing experience, you can choose between the gentle and creamy feel of the Crystal Violet switch or the light and easy-to-press sensation of the Flaming Purple switch, knowing that both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a light operating force and a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a linear switch with a feathery feel, a bassy sound profile, and easy-to-press keys, the Flaming Purple could be the ideal choice. Consider your typing needs, whether you prioritize comfort, sound, or ease of use, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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