Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Neptune stand out as unique options catering to different preferences. The Crystal Violet offers a tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, perfect for those looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile feel. Its low-pitched sound profile and use of ABS in the housing create a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune features a smooth and frictionless linear feel, reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi. Its ultralight design and muted sound signature ensure swift and effortless typing with a refined ambiance. While the Crystal Violet provides a creamy and mild typing experience, the Neptune offers a buttery and gummy feel. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, so consider your preferences before making a choice. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Neptune both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing offers a low-pitched sound when typing, while the Neptune's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing maintains the low-pitched sound profile of the top housing, while the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Neptune share a commonality in their use of unique housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. While the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent low-pitched sound profile, the Neptune combines POM and polycarbonate to create a more varied sound experience. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the sound produced while typing, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.
Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Neptune play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The ABS and POM top housings of the Crystal Violet and Neptune, respectively, offer different sound characteristics, with the Neptune's POM housing providing a deeper and more pleasing sound compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, contrasting with the low-pitched sound of the ABS bottom housing in the Crystal Violet. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can create unique typing experiences and showcase the impact of material selection on sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet requires a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams. However, both switches have a fairly similar bottom out force, with the Crystal Violet at 55 grams and the Neptune at 50 grams. In terms of weight, the Neptune is lighter overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences in typing experiences, with the Neptune being lighter and the Crystal Violet being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer than the Neptune. The 0.2 mm difference may not be significant for everyone but could be noticeable for users who have a preference for shorter or longer travel distances. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Neptune with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone that is not intrusive. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch also provides a low-pitched sound but with additional descriptors such as muted, subdued, and thocky, giving it a softer and quieter sound profile. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Neptune presents a more varied auditory experience with the potential for a deep, rich sound when pressed.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. In comparison, the TTC Neptune linear switch is described as buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a polished finish. While the Crystal Violet focuses on a comfortable and stepped tactile feel, the Neptune emphasizes a buttery and frictionless sensation that enhances the overall typing experience.
Taking both the sound and feel qualities into consideration, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Crystal Violet excels in providing a relaxed and gentle tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, ideal for those seeking comfort and subtlety in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure that delivers a balanced and smooth typing sensation, complemented by a varied sound profile that includes muted and thocky characteristics. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, catering to users who prioritize different aspects of the typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Crystal Violet or Neptune, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with some nuanced differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. The Crystal Violet offers a subtle and mellow sound profile, creating a relaxed auditory ambiance while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with an ultralight bottom out force, the TTC Neptune could be the perfect fit. The Neptune provides a unique "matte" feel, making every keystroke a textured pleasure, while keeping the sound signature refined and unobtrusive. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a creamy and mild feel or a frictionless and polished sensation, both switches offer distinct characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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