Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Mamba, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, is meticulously crafted with a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a pleasant mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Furthermore, the Crystal Violet switches utilize ABS in their housings, adding to their unique feel. On the other hand, the Mamba, a linear switch, pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation. With a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switches provide a smooth and polished feel. While both switches share similarities such as a mild and neutral feel, they differ in their tactile response and sound profile. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Mamba switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare material to be used in switch housings. When typing on switches with ABS housings, a relatively low-pitched sound profile is observed. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is bright without being overly sharp.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Crystal Violet and the Mamba have different materials. The Crystal Violet incorporates an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. As a result, it offers a relatively low-pitched sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Mamba employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing. POM housings create a distinct and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to ABS.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced more by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with varying sound profiles and characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Mamba's actuation force is not available. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, while the Mamba requires 60 grams. This makes the Crystal Violet slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the weight of the switches is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations, making it ideal for those using keyboards for work purposes or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. For them, switches with heavier forces are desired.
Although the actuation force for the Mamba is unknown, it is still possible to make some comparisons. Both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force, with the Crystal Violet being slightly lighter. Therefore, for those who enjoy a medium typing experience, both switches are likely to provide similar results. However, for individuals specifically seeking a lighter bottom out force, the Crystal Violet would be the preferable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the most traditional option. On the other hand, the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The preference for travel distance varies among individuals, with gamers often favoring shorter distances for quicker response times. If responsiveness is a priority, the Mamba would be the better choice. However, for those who appreciate a deeper key press, the Crystal Violet's longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to 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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 switches are known for their low-pitched profile. These switches produce a mellow and bass-heavy tone, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes. However, they also offer a "thocky" sound, which refers to a deep, rich, and satisfying noise when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, if you prefer a lower-pitched and mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switches will be a great choice. If you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying sound, the Mamba switches would be a suitable option.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy typing experience. This means that the switches feel smooth and buttery, almost like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The mild characteristics of these switches also contribute to a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches are described as stepped, which means they provide a mild tactile feedback with slight pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches also provide a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. They are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a creamy and stepped typing experience, the Crystal Violet switches would be a good fit. If a polished and smooth typing experience is more appealing to you, then the Mamba switches would be a suitable choice.
Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches and the Durock Mamba switches offer different subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy and mild feel, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba switches have a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic and a mild yet polished feel, offering a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, these switches provide distinct options. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, both switches offer a mild characteristic suitable for most users.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light keypress. The Crystal Violet switches offer a pleasantly mellow, low-pitched sound profile, making for a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. They also have a creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch and want to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, the Durock Mamba switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium keypress. Typing on the Mamba switches gives a gliding sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. The Mamba switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. In terms of feel, the Mamba switches provide a mild and polished experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch will depend on your preference for a tactile or linear typing experience, as well as your preference for different sound profiles and feel. Weigh these factors carefully to find the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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