Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Matcha, both of which belong to the tactile switch family. The Crystal Violet, renowned for its meticulously crafted design and a light operating force of 45g, offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With its gentle and comfortable feel, this switch is perfect for those who value a pleasant and mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The Crystal Violet's use of ABS in its housings further contributes to its subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as one of our favorite tactile switches with its comfortable and snappy tactility. Typing on the Matcha switch guarantees a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. Categorized as ['Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped'] and ['Stepped', 'Snappy', 'Accented', 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle'] respectively, the Crystal Violet and the Matcha each possess unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Matcha differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic for switch housings but common in keycaps. This ABS housing contributes to a low-pitched sound profile when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing lends a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the Matcha's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Crystal Violet and the Matcha share the same ABS material. Both switches will exhibit a relatively low-pitched sound profile when the ABS bottom housing is present. However, the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound when typing. Similar to the top housing, the polycarbonate material's stiffness enhances the overall sound quality and adds to the switch's tactile feel. As with the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Matcha allows for stunning visual effects when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In summary, while both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Matcha feature ABS and polycarbonate housing materials, their arrangements differ. The Crystal Violet has ABS for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. However, the presence of a polycarbonate housing, regardless of its placement, allows for enhanced clarity, resonance, and compatibility with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Matcha's 40 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, while the Matcha has a bottom-out force of 45 grams. This makes the Crystal Violet slightly heavier when pressing all the way down.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Matcha, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for professional work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Crystal Violet with its heavier actuation and bottom-out forces. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, but the slight variance in force required may result in a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier feel during keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. It is reassuring to know that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results and a consistent tactile feedback. Whether you prefer the Crystal Violet or the Matcha, rest assured that the travel distance will not be a differentiating factor between the two.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched auditory experience. The use of ABS in the switch housing contributes to this characteristic sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp and bright sound profile with a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. It's essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, these two switches offer different sound profiles, with the Crystal Violet being low-pitched and mellow, while the Matcha is clacky and percussive.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience. This switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, it falls into the stepped category, meaning it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The KTT Matcha tactile switch also falls into the stepped category, providing a mild typing experience. It offers a comfortable and snappy tactility, making it feel responsive and alive. It is also described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This suggests that the Matcha switch strikes a balance between subtlety and noticeable tactility.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for its mellow sound profile and creamy, mild typing feel. It offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, making it suitable for those seeking a gentle and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and snappy, stepped typing feel. It strikes a balance between subtlety and noticeable tactility, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. While these switches differ in sound and feel, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you are looking for a mellow, low-pitched sound with a creamy feel, the Crystal Violet is the choice for you. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a comfortable and accented feel, the Matcha is the better option. Both switches are excellent choices, and the decision ultimately depends on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, then the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light touch. The Crystal Violet switch also provides a pleasant and mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the special use of ABS in its housing. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctly clean bottom-out sound and a snappy tactility when typing, then the KTT Matcha tactile switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a light touch. The Matcha switch is described as having a clacky sound profile and a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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