Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, two notable tactile switches that offer distinct typing experiences are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Crystal Violet switches are renowned for their meticulously crafted design, boasting a light operating force of 45g. These switches provide a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, delivering a gentle and comfortable feel. Moreover, their sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the special use of ABS in their housings. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches feature a very sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. While typing on them, a lower-than-average sound frequency is detected, deepening the audio experience without becoming excessively "thocky." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet's housing materials differ between the top and bottom housings. The top housing is made of ABS, which is commonly used in keycaps but relatively rare in switch housings. This results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches with ABS top housing. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry's top housing is made of POM, creating a unique and pleasing sound. The sound profile of POM is deeper and relatively more muted compared to ABS.
The same distinction applies to the bottom housings of the Crystal Violet and the Blueberry switches. Both switches use ABS for their bottom housing, which contributes to a low-pitched sound profile while typing. However, the Blueberry's bottom housing is made of POM, complementing the top housing's deeper and muted sound profile. This combination results in a distinct sound when bottoming out the switch.
When it comes to the overall experience of typing on these switches, the difference in housing materials between the top and bottom affects the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, pressing down on the Crystal Violet switch will showcase the qualities of the ABS bottom housing, while the NovelKeys Blueberry will exhibit the characteristics of the POM bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role. The Crystal Violet exhibits a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Crystal Violet would be the ideal choice, as it allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a stronger push feel, providing users with a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages; however, they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, both switches offer the same experience. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the NovelKeys Blueberry, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g. The sound profile of these switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is partly due to the rare and special use of ABS in the switch housing. The feel of Crystal Violet switches can be described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. They have a mild tactile bump and a safe middle-ground feel overall.
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, on the other hand, is best known for its sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. The sound frequency of these switches is lower than average but not "thocky." When typing on them, you can expect a clean and sharp sound profile with a bit more depth compared to average switches.
In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched tone, with the Crystal Violet switches having a neutral sound profile and the NovelKeys Blueberry switches having a resonant sound profile. The Crystal Violet switches provide a mellow and bass-heavy sound experience, while the Blueberry switches offer a clean and sharp sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. They provide a smooth and effortless sensation when typing. The Blueberry switches, on the other hand, are snappy and offer a buttery typing experience. They are more responsive and provide a more pronounced feedback compared to the Crystal Violet switches.
Taking all the available information into account, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper tactile bump and a more responsive feel with a clean and sharp sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches would be a better fit.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
If you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Crystal Violet is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light touch that is approachable for most users. Its sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The Crystal Violet switch is further enhanced by the rare use of ABS in its housing, providing a unique and mellow sound. Overall, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild feel, making each keystroke a smooth and effortless glide.
On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a heavier typing feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is the better option. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, it provides a more pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The Blueberry switch offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, slightly deeper than average but not "thocky." The sound profile is clean and sharp, creating an immersive auditory experience.
In summary, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, stepped, and gentle typing experience, with a mellow and subtle sound profile. Meanwhile, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch caters to users who prefer a sharp and pronounced tactile bump, with a heavier typing feel and a clean and sharp sound profile. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure the most enjoyable and satisfying keyboarding experience.
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