Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Peach, two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, is best known for its light operating force of 45g, making it perfect for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a gentle and comfortable feel, this switch provides a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare use of ABS in its housing. On the other hand, the Peach, a linear switch, boasts multiple prized characteristics. Prepare for a syrupy smooth typing experience along with a deep, thocky sound profile. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Peach switch offers a different typing sensation from the Crystal Violet. Both switches have their unique attributes that make them desirable options for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Peach differ significantly. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, while the Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast results in distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet creates a relatively low-pitched sound, which is common when ABS is used. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Peach produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Moreover, the bottom housing of the two switches also varies in material composition. The Crystal Violet employs an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing. As a result, the typing experience on Crystal Violet switches is characterized by a relatively low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Peach incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on Peach switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic compared to ABS, which creates a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the overall effects of the housing materials in these switches, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material will be split. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing, whether ABS or nylon, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing, whether ABS or polycarbonate, will influence the sound profile. Thus, users can expect distinct acoustic experiences based on the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Crystal Violet and the Peach switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures that users will get similar results in terms of responsiveness and typing speed.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight distinction between the two switches. The Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the actuation force. This provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Peach has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is also slightly heavier than the actuation force, but not as heavy as the Crystal Violet. This makes the Peach switch suitable for users who desire a slightly lighter and smoother typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Crystal Violet can be categorized as heavier due to its higher bottom out force, while the Peach can be considered lighter in comparison. The difference in weight may be a crucial factor for individuals who prefer longer typing sessions or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, as a lighter switch can allow for better comfort and reduced fatigue over time. Conversely, those who value a more solid and robust typing experience may find the heavier Crystal Violet switch more suitable for their needs.
In summary, while both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch share the same actuation force, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Crystal Violet being heavier. These variations in force can contribute to distinct typing experiences, allowing users to choose the switch that aligns with their preferences for typing intensity and duration.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance from top to bottom. Therefore, both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Peach comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 Peach switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound level that suits most purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy sensation comes from the switch being lubricated at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery keypress. The mild characteristic of the Crystal Violet switch provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users due to its approachable qualities. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is described as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. This provides a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, further enhancing the typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch is also described as having a mild typing experience, similar to the Crystal Violet switch. The Peach switch offers a smooth and comfortable typing experience, often referred to as syrupy smooth. However, the available information does not provide any specific details about the Peach switch's feel beyond its mild characteristic.
Overall, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and KTT Peach switches have similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both produce a low-pitched sound profile and offer a mild typing experience. While the Crystal Violet switch has additional qualities such as a creamy feel and a stepped tactile feature, the specific qualities of the Peach switch are not mentioned. Therefore, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet switch will provide similar results. Keep in mind that personal preferences, as well as the keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it falls within the medium-light range. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and are suitable for beginners or advanced users, whether used at home or work. Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Peach switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and sound.
Mentioned in this article
