Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Lupine. On one hand, the Crystal Violet offers a tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and stepped feel while typing. Additionally, the use of ABS in the switch housing creates a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. On the other hand, the Lupine provides a satisfying linear typing experience with its two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Its sound profile leans towards the classic clacky sound that many users enjoy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Lupine differ in their housing materials, which contributes to variations in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, a relatively rare plastic in switch housings. This results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing, providing a satisfying and mellow experience. On the other hand, the Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches with clear housings if RGB lighting is a priority.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet employs an ABS housing, similar to its top counterpart. This translates to a low-pitched sound profile when typing, aligning with the smooth and mellow experience provided by the switch. In contrast, the Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The absorption of sound by the nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Crystal Violet and the Lupine, a common factor is that both ABS and nylon are common plastics used in keycaps. Therefore, despite the variations in sound profiles and aesthetics, both switches can provide similar results when it comes to the overall typing experience. Additionally, it is worth noting that the qualities of the bottom housing are felt during the keypress, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light feel, while the Lupine's actuation force is unspecified. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Lupine's 62 grams, both falling within the medium range.
Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Crystal Violet more suitable, as its actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing and extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Lupine, as its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.
Although the actuation force for the Lupine is unknown, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Therefore, if a user desires a similar typing experience in terms of force required, either of these switches may yield comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Lupine will depend on personal preferences for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance, while the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the Lupine with its shorter travel distance. This allows for quicker keystrokes and enhanced gameplay. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, lacking the depth and satisfaction provided by a longer travel distance. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Crystal Violet's longer travel distance may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference 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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its pleasantly mellow sound profile. The use of ABS in the switch housing contributes to a lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch has a classic clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is characteristic of high-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, but the Crystal Violet leans towards the low-pitched side while the Lupine is on the higher-pitched end.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It has a gentle and comfortable feel, thanks to its light operating force of 45g. The switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch. The Crystal Violet is also considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a consistent weight distribution when pressed down, with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Its feel is mild, similar to the Crystal Violet, making it approachable to most users. The Lupine is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is due to the materials used and/or factory lubrication, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet has a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the low-pitched spectrum, while the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound with a higher-pitched tone. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, with a creamy and mild sensation. The Lupine offers a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful rebound, with a mild and polished feel. Overall, both switches have a neutral sound profile and are approachable for most users. The Crystal Violet leans towards a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, while the Lupine is known for its consistent weight distribution and polished feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, 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 operating force. The Crystal Violet switches also have a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, the Durock Lupine linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a medium operating force. The Lupine switches produce a classic clacky sound profile when used. Ultimately, the choice between Everglide Crystal Violet and Durock Lupine switches depends on your preference for a relaxed tactile or a linear typing experience, as well as your preference for mellow or clacky sound profiles. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
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