Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two unique mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, tailored to different typing preferences. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch, renowned for its light operating force of 45g, making it perfect for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch that provides a heftier typing experience. With a deeper sound profile, these switches offer a satisfying and textured feel while typing. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, the first notable difference is in the top housing. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS, a plastic that is commonly used in keycaps but relatively rare in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the switches. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound. This sound profile is deeper and more muted compared to the Crystal Violet. Therefore, the top housing significantly affects the sound when you let go of a key, with the Crystal Violet providing a higher-pitched sound and the NovelKeys Cream offering a deeper and more subdued tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Crystal Violet and the NovelKeys Cream employ ABS as the material. However, while ABS is commonly used in keycaps, it is relatively uncommon in switch housings. As a result, both switches exhibit a similar low-pitched sound profile when typing. This suggests that the choice of bottom housing material does not significantly impact the sound produced when pressing down on the switches. Instead, its influence is felt more in the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, both the Crystal Violet and the NovelKeys Cream can provide similar results in terms of the characteristics brought about by the ABS bottom housing.
In summary, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their top housing materials, which consequently affect the sound produced when letting go of a key. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing results in a relatively low-pitched sound, while the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted tone. On the other hand, both switches share the same ABS bottom housing, resulting in a similar low-pitched sound profile when pressing down. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel experienced when typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the NovelKeys Cream's actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal Violet has a heavier force of 55 grams, whereas the NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it the heavier of the two.
The lighter actuation force of the Crystal Violet makes it ideal for those who prefer a smoother and quicker typing experience. This lighter force allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue or strain. It is also suitable for those who enjoy a lighter touch while gaming, as it provides faster response times.
In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the NovelKeys Cream provides a more substantial typing experience. This force requires users to exert a stronger push, resulting in a satisfying and tactile feedback with each keystroke. This is preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel while typing and desire a sense of stability and durability.
Overall, the Crystal Violet and NovelKeys Cream offer distinct experiences due to their variances in actuation and bottom out forces. Choosing between the two hinges on individual preferences, as some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Crystal Violet for longer typing sessions or faster gaming, while others may lean towards the heavier force of the NovelKeys Cream for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Crystal Violet or the smooth linear action of the NovelKeys Cream, the travel distance will not be a distinguishing 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 Cream 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 offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is described as low-pitched, creating a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS in the switch housings contributes to the pleasant sound produced. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch is creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. It is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. Overall, the Crystal Violet switch provides a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with its gentle tactile feel and mellow sound profile.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier linear typing experience. The sound profile of the Cream switch is described as low-pitched, similar to the Crystal Violet switch, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the Cream switch is noted to have a slightly deeper sound profile compared to average switches. In terms of feel, the Cream switch is buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It does not have any specific mention of being textured or invigorating like the Crystal Violet switch. Overall, the Cream switch provides a satisfying linear typing experience with its smooth feel and deep sound profile.
Based on the available information, both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have low-pitched sound profiles, although the Cream switch has a slightly deeper sound. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch is creamy and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream switch is also buttery and smooth. While there are subtle differences in the sound and feel of these switches, they both offer satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for tactile or linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a mild and creamy typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is low-pitched and pleasantly mellow, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be a better fit. It offers a buttery and textured typing experience, with a deep sound profile. Overall, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile or linear switch, as well as the specific qualities and characteristics that align with your personal preferences. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
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