Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Crystal Violet switch is renowned for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and tactile typing experience ideal for those seeking a gentle feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch boasts versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with its neutral sound signature. While the Crystal Violet switch leans towards a creamy and low-pitched sound profile, the Gold Red Pro switch is known for its polished and thocky feel. Both switches have their own 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Gold Red Pro switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics like ABS.
While the housings of the Crystal Violet and Gold Red Pro switches differ in material, they both offer distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The ABS housing of the Crystal Violet provides a more traditional typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings results in a mix of sharp and deep sound profiles, offering a unique typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials contributing to the overall feel and sound of the switches.
The choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Gold Red Pro switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The ABS housing of the Crystal Violet may appeal to those who enjoy a classic, low-pitched sound when typing, while the Gold Red Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a mix of sharp and deep sounds for a more dynamic typing experience. Whether you prefer the softer sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is sure to please mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet is the heavier of the two. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light resistance. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro may make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Crystal Violet could offer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience will determine which switch is the better choice for each individual.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being on the longer side and the Gold Red Pro on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Gold Red Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, creating a relaxed auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it harmonious in any environment. Both switches offer pleasant sound profiles without being too loud or disruptive, catering to users with different preferences. With the Crystal Violet leaning towards a lower pitch and the Gold Red Pro being neutral, users can expect a calming typing experience from either switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro switch is polished, silky, and also mild, providing a refined and polished typing feel with reduced friction. Both switches offer a comfortable and easy typing experience, with the Crystal Violet focusing on a creamy sensation and the Gold Red Pro emphasizing on smooth key travel. Users can enjoy a silky typing feel from either switch, perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch may differ slightly in sound and feel, they both offer a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. The Crystal Violet provides a low-pitched sound profile with a creamy feel, while the Gold Red Pro offers a neutral sound with a polished and silky typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound pitch and typing smoothness, users can achieve similar satisfying results with both switches. Ultimately, whether choosing the Crystal Violet or the Gold Red Pro, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their individual needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light operating force and a relaxed 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 value versatility and a seamless typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Gold Red Pro might be the better option. Consider factors such as the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing needs and preferences. Be sure to test out different switches if possible to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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