Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Orange. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches produce a pleasantly mellow and non-intrusive sound profile, thanks to their rare use of ABS in the housing. On the other hand, the KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy type feel, attributed to its 22mm long spring. It offers a slick and frictionless typing experience with its polycarbonate milky top housing and long pole POM stem. These switches also have excellent factory-lubing, ensuring refined and smooth key travel. The KTT Orange produces a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Orange switches differ in terms of their material composition and sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on ABS switches. In contrast, the Orange switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it more suitable for incorporating RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Crystal Violet and the Orange switches use ABS material. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile for both switches when pressed. However, the top housings have a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. The ABS top housing in the Crystal Violet switch maintains its low-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Orange switch accentuates the sharper and higher-pitched sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, the difference in top and bottom housing materials allows for distinct variations in the switching experience between the two switches.
Despite their differences, both the Crystal Violet and the Orange switches possess unique qualities due to their housing materials. The Crystal Violet's ABS housing provides a low-pitched sound, which can be desirable for users who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, making it suitable for individuals looking for a more tactile and pronounced typing feedback. However, it is important to note that the impact of these housing materials may vary depending on individual preferences and typing techniques. Ultimately, both switches provide users with distinct options based on their desired sound profiles and typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Crystal Violet is 45 grams, slightly lighter than the Orange's 46 grams. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, meaning it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. Despite this difference, both switches still fall within the medium-light category for bottom out force.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Crystal Violet more suitable. The lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and smoother keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the slight difference in actuation and bottom out forces in favor of the Orange may provide a slightly more satisfying and tactile experience.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch are quite similar, albeit with a slight variation. Both switches offer a medium-light feel, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Crystal Violet has a slightly longer distance of 4 mm compared to the Orange's 3.5 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a familiar and comfortable feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Orange switch is slightly shorter, making it popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt, lacking the depth and solidity they desire. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Violet and Orange switches depends on personal preference, with the former offering a more traditional typing experience and the latter catering to those who prioritize speed 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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Orange switches have a low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a pleasant auditory experience. While the Crystal Violet switches are described as having a pleasantly mellow sound leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, the Orange switches simply have a low-pitched sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, both switches offer a similar low-pitched sound, providing a comparable experience in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as offering a creamy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They are also classified as mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches are considered stepped switches, meaning they provide a tactile feedback with two stages: some pre-travel and/or post-travel can be felt. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when typing. They are also frictionless switches, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Overall, the Crystal Violet switches provide a creamy, mild, and stepped feel, while the Orange switches offer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience.
Taking into account all the available information, the Everglide Crystal Violet and KTT Orange switches have some notable differences in terms of feel. The Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience, with a stepped tactile feedback. These switches are ideal for those seeking a relaxed and comfortable feel while typing. On the other hand, the Orange switches provide a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, giving a lively and effortless feel. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Crystal Violet switches are made with ABS material, the specific material composition of the Orange switches is not mentioned. It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, then the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the right choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light and offer a mellow and non-intrusive low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches provide a creamy and mild typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch is the one to go for. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a lively and spring-like feel, providing rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the Orange switches have excellent factory-lubing, ensuring a refined and fluid key travel with minimal friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and KTT Orange switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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