Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

Introducing two highly sought-after mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Box Black. While both switches offer exceptional performance, they differ in key aspects that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Violet boasts a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and tactile typing experience. Its gentle and comfortable feel, paired with a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy sensation. With a sound signature resembling that of a shaken spray paint can, this switch offers a clacky and higher-pitched experience. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference, but let's delve deeper into the unique characteristics of each switch to aid in your decision-making process.

By the numbers

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches exhibit notable differences. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing, while commonly used in keycaps, is relatively rare for switch housings. This results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing, which provides a smooth and subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This adds a satisfying clackiness to the typing experience, offering a more distinct and pronounced sound when keys are pressed.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches set them apart. The Crystal Violet employs ABS as its bottom housing material, which is another uncommon choice for switch housings. This contributes to the overall low-pitched sound profile and provides consistency in terms of sound and feel between the top and bottom housing. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This results in a sound profile that is pointed and relatively high-pitched, further enhancing the clacky and satisfying typing experience.

It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings differ within a switch, the characteristics of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. As a result, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Crystal Violet and the Ink Box Black may have similar characteristics in terms of their respective top and bottom housing materials, their individual properties create distinct typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Violet features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Box Black's actuation force of 60 grams. This lighter actuation force in the Crystal Violet can be beneficial for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Ink Box Black requires a stronger push with its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ink Box Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Ink Box Black requires more force to reach the bottom compared to the Crystal Violet. The heavier bottom out force of the Ink Box Black adds to the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying amount of resistance, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and controlled typing feel.

In summary, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch. The Crystal Violet offers a lighter and more effortless keystroke, perfect for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a heavier and more substantial push feel, offering a more tactile and controlled typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for lighter or heavier forces.

Travel distance

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to keypress feedback. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black switch, as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel, the Crystal Violet switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Based on the information provided, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

First, let's discuss the sound profile. The Crystal Violet is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a clacky sound signature, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, described as crisp, bright, and percussive.

Moving on to feel, the Crystal Violet is known for its creamy and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It falls in the safe, middle-ground zone with its approachable qualities. Additionally, the Crystal Violet is considered a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, providing a more mild sensation compared to switches with a bigger bump. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish and reduced friction contribute to a sleek typing feel.

In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches provide contrasting subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and low-pitched sound. It has a creamy and mild feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky sound signature. It is described as silky and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, along with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile, then the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light force that can provide a comfortable typing experience. The Crystal Violet switch is known for its creamy and mild feel, with a stepped tactile sensation that adds to the overall typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a lower-pitched sound, the Crystal Violet switch would be a suitable option.

On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a linear typing experience, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy force that adds to the overall stability of the switch. The Ink Box Black switch is known for its silky and polished feel, providing enhanced smoothness and reduced friction during typing. The high-pitched sound produced by this switch adds a crisp and bright auditory experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as the desired typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more