Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for typists. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience that is comfortable and gentle. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare use of ABS in its housing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. It offers a frictionless and silky typing experience that typists often find enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Piano have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This gives it a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Piano has a proprietary POM blend top housing. Although the exact details of this blend are unknown, it is known to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. This indicates that the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing may provide a different typing experience compared to the Piano's POM blend top housing.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Crystal Violet once again utilizes ABS, which, as mentioned, is uncommon in switch housings. This contributes to the switch's low-pitched sound profile during typing. In contrast, the Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing. While the exact composition of this blend is not disclosed, it is known to provide a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. This suggests that the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing may result in a different bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Piano's POM blend bottom housing.
It is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a given switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more pronounced influence on the sound when releasing a key. While the Crystal Violet and the Piano may have distinct housing materials, it is likely that they will still provide similar results in terms of typing experience, albeit with subtle variations in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can observe some notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke. Meanwhile, the Piano's actuation force is unavailable, making it challenging to directly compare with the Crystal Violet. However, the bottom out force of the Piano is 63.5 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed down.
Considering weight preferences, individuals who favor lighter switches will find the Crystal Violet appealing, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions and is suitable for work or extended gaming. On the contrary, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Piano, as its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel when fully pressed down. Although we lack specific data on the actuation force of the Piano, it is likely to provide a comparable result to the Crystal Violet if both switches have a similar actuation force.
Ultimately, the Crystal Violet stands as the lighter option between the two, with its actuation force of 45 grams, while the Piano offers a heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Selecting the ideal switch depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience one seeks.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Piano, you can expect to have a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring a reliable and familiar typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a pleasantly mellow and lower-pitched sound profile. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, which can be attributed, in part, to the rare use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a deep and creamy sound signature. It offers a rich and bassy sound, reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards a lower-pitched spectrum and the Piano providing a deep and creamy sound.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a gentle and comfortable typing experience. It is described as creamy, allowing for smooth and buttery keystrokes. This sensation is achieved either through factory-applied lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. The Crystal Violet switch also falls under the mild category, providing a more approachable typing experience for most users. Additionally, it is considered a stepped switch, offering a two-stage feeling with some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch provides a gliding push feel during typing. It is described as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. These attributes minimize resistance and create a fluid travel sensation when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switch provides a mellow and lower-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy and stepped typing experience. Meanwhile, the Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound, coupled with a frictionless and silky typing feel. Both switches excel in their respective aspects, and while they differ in qualities, they deliver exceptional experiences to suit different preferences. Depending on your personal preferences, the Crystal Violet will offer a relaxed and gentle tactile typing experience with a mellow sound, while the Piano will provide a smooth and effortless linear typing experience with a deep and creamy sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Crystal Violet switch would be a great choice for you. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch has a pleasantly mellow, low-pitched sound profile, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch would be a better fit for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience. It is known for its proprietary material blend, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The sound profile of the Piano switch is bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Violet and Piano switches depends on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics that resonate with you. Consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire when making your decision. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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