Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches - the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Yellow. If you're in the market for a tactile switch, the Crystal Violet might catch your attention. Crafted with a light operating force of 45g, it offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, ensuring a gentle and comfortable feel. Not only that, but its sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow, a linear switch, offers a different typing experience. With a shorter travel, it provides a middle ground between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, appealing to those seeking a smoother and clackier typing experience. In terms of categories, the Crystal Violet can be described as creamy, low-pitched, mild, neutral, and stepped, while the Ink Yellow falls into the categories of neutral, clacky, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Yellow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing is a rare choice for switch housings, but it provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile that is often described as smooth and pleasant. In contrast, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that is not overly sharp. It is often characterized as clacky, providing a satisfying and unique typing experience. While the sound profiles differ between the two, both switches offer a distinct and enjoyable auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing is similar to its top housing in terms of its rare usage for switch housings. It contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, offering a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. Similarly, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also influences the sound profile of the switch. It adds to the pointed, high-pitched sound that is characteristic of the Ink Yellow switch. Both switches showcase the uniqueness of their housing materials and provide different but equally satisfying auditory experiences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switches, it is important to note that each material brings its own qualities to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material will have a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the combination of materials in a switch can create a well-rounded and diverse auditory experience. Despite their differences, both the Crystal Violet and the Ink Yellow switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is shaped by their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 60 grams. Similarly, the Crystal Violet has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ink Yellow requires a heavier force of 67 grams to bottom out.
Considering weight is important as it affects typing experience and comfort. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Crystal Violet more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This light actuation force is ideal for a keyboard intended for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may prefer the Ink Yellow switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This extra force provides a satisfying tactile feedback and may be favored by users looking for a more substantial typing experience.
It's important to note that while the weights are different, both switches offer options for individuals with specific preferences. If one desires a similar outcome despite the different weights, they can adjust their typing style to achieve similar results. Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gateron Ink Yellow is heavier, providing a different typing experience to cater to varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Crystal Violet's travel distance is considered to be more traditional, as it falls within the standard range of 4 mm. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Ink Yellow may be the better option for you. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial feel when pressed, the Crystal Violet's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Yellow depends on your personal preferences for travel distance and the typing or gaming experience you desire.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 switches have a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a pleasantly mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switches have a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switches are described as clacky, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, if you pair these switches with different components, you may achieve similar results in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. With its mild characteristics, the Crystal Violet switches are approachable to most users, as they stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Moreover, the Crystal Violet switches are described as stepped, meaning they have two stages in the tactile feedback. This results in a more mild and nuanced typing experience compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switches also provide a mild typing experience. They offer a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches are known for their light operating force of 45g, which provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. They also offer a creamy and mild feel, with a stepped design that adds a nuanced touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches are characterized by a shorter travel and offer a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. They have a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes, but also produce a clacky sound when pressed. The Ink Yellow switches provide a mild and polished feel, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a variety of options based on their preferences. If you are seeking a similar sound profile or typing experience, you can choose to pair the switches with different components to achieve desired results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, along with a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its light operating force of 45g and the use of ABS in its housing, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, perfect for those who want a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, creating a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile feel with a mellow sound or a smoother and clackier typing experience, both switches offer their own unique qualities. Consider the characteristics of each switch and choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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