Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, is meticulously crafted with a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With its gentle and comfortable feel, this switch is ideal for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches offer a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2, a linear switch, is a community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. With its low-pitched sound profile, this switch offers a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, providing users with different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles when typing. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top and bottom housing, which is a relatively rare choice for switch housings. This ABS material contributes to a low-pitched sound profile that is often found in keycaps. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing by Gateron. This blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky but not overly sharp.

Although the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are different, they both exhibit a satisfying typing experience. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to a low-pitched sound profile, which enhances the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Similarly, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 also affects the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a pointed and high-pitched sensation. Thus, despite the disparity in materials, users can expect similar results in terms of the switch's tactile feedback.

When it comes to the sound produced upon key release, the housing materials play a significant role. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet, although uncommon in switch housings, contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 produces a thin and higher-pitched sound after releasing a key. These differences give each switch a distinct auditory signature, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound profile. Whether one prefers the low-pitched sound of the Crystal Violet or the clacky, high-pitched sound of the Ink Black V2, the housing materials contribute significantly to the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Crystal Violet is lighter at 55 grams, allowing for a smoother press all the way down. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, which may be preferred by those seeking a more solid and satisfying keystroke. Overall, those looking for a lighter and more effortless typing experience may gravitate towards the Crystal Violet, while the Ink Black V2 suits individuals who prefer a heavier and more pronounced push feel.

Travel distance

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have equal travel distances of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either of these switches will give you similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and comfortable travel distance, allowing for a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Crystal Violet or the smooth linear feel of the Ink Black V2, both switches will offer a similar travel distance that ensures precise and accurate keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have a low-pitched profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow sound that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This can be attributed to the rare use of ABS in their housings. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switches also have a low-pitched sound, but they are described as "bassy" and "chirpy," offering a deeper and richer sound profile with a slight squeak. It is important to note that the actual sound of a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. This is likely due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches are also described as stepped, meaning they have a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Similarly, the Ink Black V2 switches offer a mild typing experience and are also described as mild. They provide a gentle typing sensation without any pronounced characteristics. Furthermore, they are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards a mellow tone and the Ink Black V2 offering a deeper and richer sound with a slight squeak. Additionally, both switches provide a mild typing experience, with the Crystal Violet switches offering a creamy and stepped tactile feel, while the Ink Black V2 switches provide a polished and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is a great choice. These switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel, making them ideal for those seeking a more mellow sound profile with lower-pitched tones. The Crystal Violet switches also have the advantage of using ABS in their housings, contributing to a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is worth considering. It offers a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, making it a long-time community favorite. It's worth noting that both switches have a mild feel, meaning they provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more