Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Laurel are two unique mechanical keyboard switches, each offering their own advantages and characteristics for different typing preferences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch, loved for its light operating force of 45g and its ability to provide a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a gentle and comfortable feel, this switch is ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the rare use of ABS in its housings. On the other hand, the Laurel is a linear switch known for its medium-light weight and full POM housing. It strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a satisfying typing experience. While both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, the Laurel is described as snappy, adding a touch of liveliness to each keystroke. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Laurel provide distinct differences in sound profile and feel. The Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housings, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing, offering a slightly muted and pleasing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel utilizes POM top and bottom housings, creating a unique and deeper sound profile. The POM housing adds to the switch's overall muted sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the Crystal Violet.
While the two switches differ in their housing materials, they both offer pleasurable typing experiences. The Crystal Violet's ABS housing brings a low-pitched sound profile, which can be similar to the unique sound produced by the Laurel's POM housing. Although the exact qualities may differ, both switches aim for a muted and pleasing sound when typing. These similarities in sound profile ensure that users can expect a comparable experience in terms of auditory feedback.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials used in the top and bottom housing of a switch play a significant role. With the Crystal Violet, the bottom housing's ABS material contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Laurel's POM bottom housing adds to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, while the POM top housing affects the sound produced upon key release. This differentiation in housing materials allows users to have a more nuanced typing experience, emphasizing different aspects of sound and feel throughout the typing process.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Laurel exhibit both similarities and differences. While the Crystal Violet's ABS housing produces a low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel's POM housing creates a deep and unique sound. Both switches aim for a muted and pleasing typing experience, albeit through different means. Additionally, the impact of the housing materials on sound and feel is split between the top and bottom of the switch for both models, further enhancing the typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a combination of similarities and differences in sound profile and feel when comparing these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer relatively light forces. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. These forces indicate that both switches provide a similar typing experience with a light touch.
Although the forces are quite close, the Crystal Violet switch has slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Laurel switch. This means that when typing on the Crystal Violet switch, users may experience a slightly more substantial keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a slightly lighter touch, making it a favorable option for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of both switches make them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The lighter forces allow for less finger fatigue and increased comfort during prolonged use. However, for those seeking a more robust typing experience, the Crystal Violet switch with its slightly heavier forces may provide a desired push feel.
In conclusion, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch are relatively similar, the Crystal Violet switch offers slightly heavier forces. This distinction may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience for Crystal Violet switch users. However, both switches are light enough to provide comfortable and extended typing sessions, catering to individuals who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Laurel's 3.5 mm. The Crystal Violet's 4.0 mm distance is more traditional, providing a deeper key press experience, while the Laurel's shorter 3.5 mm distance offers a shallower feel. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In such cases, the Crystal Violet may be seen as the better option. However, for those who prefer a more robust and substantial key press, the longer travel distance provided by the Laurel may be more suited to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and KTT Laurel switches have a low-pitched profile. This means that they both produce a mellow and bass-heavy tone, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience during typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. That being said, if you choose to use either of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped. The creamy feel of these switches provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Crystal Violet switches make them approachable to most users, with a typing experience that is gentle and comfortable. The stepped feature of these switches adds a subtle tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switches are described as snappy, indicating that they are super responsive. This snappiness is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, giving the typing experience a lively feel. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches offer a more relaxed and stepped tactile experience, while the Laurel switches provide a snappier linear feel.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and KTT Laurel switches offer unique qualities and performance. In terms of sound, they share a low-pitched profile that provides a mellow auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy, mild, and stepped typing experience, while the Laurel switches provide a snappy and responsive feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a relaxed tactile experience or a lively linear typing feel. These switches may produce different subjective qualities, but they both offer high-quality performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a relaxed and comfortable typing experience with a gentle tactile feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a smooth and creamy typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Crystal Violet switches also provide a pleasantly mellow, low-pitched sound profile, creating a non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the use of ABS in the switch housings adds to their unique and special qualities.
On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and a light feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch could be the right option for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a snappy typing experience that feels more alive. The Laurel switch also features a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its pleasant auditory experience.
Ultimately, your decision between the Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Laurel linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a relaxed and stepped feel, the Crystal Violet is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a linear switch with snappiness and responsiveness, the Laurel is a great choice. Consider your typing style, desired feel, and sound preferences when making your decision.
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