Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch. The Crystal Violet is praised for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a mellow and lower-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch is designed to deliver a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Known for its frictionless and polished feel, this linear switch provides a creamy and subdued typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Ice King Linear both showcase unique housing materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Ice King Linear opts for a nylon top and bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbent nature. While both ABS and nylon are common materials in switch housings, they deliver distinct auditory experiences to the user.
In terms of sound production, the ABS housing of the Crystal Violet emphasizes a low-pitched sound profile during typing, whereas the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear produces a deeper and fuller sound that is characterized by its roundness and dullness. The differences in housing materials lead to unique tactile experiences for the user, with the Crystal Violet offering a more subdued sound compared to the robust sound produced by the Ice King Linear. Despite having contrasting housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by the specific qualities each material brings to the table.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Ice King Linear will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. While the Crystal Violet features ABS housing that delivers a low-pitched sound, the Ice King Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the unique properties of their housing materials contributing to the overall feel and sound of the switches. Whether you prefer the subdued sound of ABS or the robust sound of nylon, both switches offer quality performance and a distinct auditory experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force than the Ice King Linear. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Crystal Violet, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Ice King Linear more suitable. In both cases, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience based on the relatively close actuation and bottom out forces of each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Crystal Violet has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being on the longer side and the Ice King Linear being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 mellow tone, creating a subtle auditory experience that is not intrusive. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch produces a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, the Crystal Violet leans towards a lower-pitched spectrum compared to the Ice King Linear.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a two-stage tactile feel. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Crystal Violet leans towards a more stepped tactile feel while the Ice King Linear focuses on providing a silky and frictionless typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Violet provides a mellow and stepped tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Ice King Linear offers a silky and frictionless typing feel with a subdued sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Crystal Violet may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a subdued sound signature, the Ice King Linear could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. Remember to take into account factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall feel when choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
