Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its gentle and comfortable typing experience, characterized by a light operating force of 45g and a mellow, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance between tactile feedback and noise level, featuring a pronounced bump without being excessively loud. While the Crystal Violet appeals to those seeking a relaxed typing experience, the Koala caters to individuals who prefer a bit more punch in their keystrokes. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which gives it a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Durock Koala comes with a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala's housing creates a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a unique aesthetic element to the Koala.
On the other hand, both the Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala have ABS bottom housings, which contribute to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing produces a similar sound profile to its top housing, while the Koala's nylon bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound. Due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, switches with nylon bottom housings tend to have a duller and rounder sound compared to those with ABS bottom housings. This results in a different tactile and auditory experience when typing on the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material significantly impacts the sound profile and feel of a switch. While the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala differ in their top and bottom housing materials, with the Crystal Violet using ABS for both and the Koala using polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, both switches offer unique typing experiences. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of the Koala with its polycarbonate housing or the fuller, deeper sound of the Crystal Violet with its ABS housing, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is lighter in both aspects. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer periods of time, the Crystal Violet may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Koala would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar amount of key travel, resulting in a consistent typing experience for users. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches allows for a comfortable key press and enough feedback for typing or gaming. Therefore, whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Koala tactile switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel and typing experience.
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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 it comes to sound, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala switches offer a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience. This means that users can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without it being too loud or intrusive. Both switches strike a balance between providing a satisfying sound without being overly noisy, making them suitable for various settings and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. This indicates that users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, with a gentle tactile bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches provide a polished and accented feel, also with a stepped tactile characteristic. This means users can anticipate a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. The slight differences in feel between the two switches may appeal to different typing preferences, with some users favoring the creamy smoothness of the Crystal Violet and others enjoying the polished refinement of the Koala.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Koala switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Crystal Violet leans towards a more relaxed and comfortable typing experience with its creamy feel, the Koala provides a slightly more pronounced tactility with its polished and accented sensation. Both switches are suitable for users looking for a tactile typing experience without being too loud or stiff. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and comfortable typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a bit of resonance without being too loud, the Durock Koala tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the Crystal Violet switches cater to a gentler typing feel, while the Koalas offer a bit more punch in each keystroke. Consider your typing style and preferred sound profile when deciding between these two switches to ensure the best match for your needs.
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