Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Iron. The Everglide Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Known for its creamy, low-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, making them ideal for those looking for a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Iron is a linear switch that boasts a pronounced clacky sound signature, adding an aural satisfaction to each press. With an easy-to-press actuation and buttery smooth travel, the TTC Iron is a great choice for enthusiasts and daily users seeking precision and pleasure in their typing experience. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Iron both utilize different housing materials for their switches. The Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housings, which are relatively rare in switch housings but known for providing a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Iron utilizes POM top and bottom housings, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This difference in housing materials results in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite the difference in housing materials, both the Crystal Violet and the Iron offer a unique typing experience. The ABS top and bottom housings of the Crystal Violet provide a low-pitched sound profile that may be preferred by those who enjoy a softer typing experience. In contrast, the POM top and bottom housings of the Iron create a deeper and more muted sound profile that could appeal to users looking for a more satisfying and distinct typing feel. While the materials may vary, both switches are designed to provide a quality typing experience for enthusiasts.
In terms of differences, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The ABS and POM materials used in the Crystal Violet and Iron switches each bring unique qualities to the typing experience, allowing users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences. While the housing materials may vary, both switches offer a high level of quality and customization for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Iron linear switch, which has an actuation force of 41 grams, making the Crystal Violet a bit heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force while the Iron only needs 50 grams, making the Iron slightly lighter in this aspect. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Crystal Violet offering a medium-light feel and the Iron offering a light touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer than the Iron. In general, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press, as the switch travels a greater distance before actuating. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, which is preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that they offer different auditory experiences. The Crystal Violet switch produces a low-pitched and mellow sound profile, offering a subtle and non-intrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Iron switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive sound with each key press. While the Crystal Violet switch is more neutral in its sound profile, the Iron switch stands out with its distinct clacky sound. Ultimately, the sound preference between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference for a quieter or more audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch and the TTC Iron switch also showcase varying tactile experiences. The Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing sensation. With a stepped tactile feel, users can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable typing experience with the Crystal Violet switch. Conversely, the Iron switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild, providing a light actuation force for swift and effortless typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Crystal Violet switch leans towards a creamy and stepped tactile feel, while the Iron switch emphasizes an easy-to-press and mild typing sensation.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switch is praised for its low-pitched and creamy typing experience, ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile feel. In contrast, the Iron switch offers a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press typing sensation, catering to users who prefer a more audible and swift typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Whichever switch is chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch or the TTC Iron linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. The mellow, low-pitched sound profile and creamy feel of the Crystal Violet switches offer a relaxed and comfortable typing session. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a pronounced clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing, the TTC Iron linear switch could be more suitable for you. Its easy-to-press actuation and buttery smooth travel provide a swift and pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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