Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Purple Click. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, is renowned for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its gentle and comfortable feel offers a pleasant and mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. On the other hand, the Purple Click, a clicky switch, is known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click sound. With light keystrokes that still provide pronounced tactility, it strikes a perfect equilibrium for users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Purple Click switches differ significantly. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, while the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The ABS top housing creates a relatively low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and more muted typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing in the Purple Click produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Aesthetically, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing is solid, while the transparent polycarbonate housing of the Purple Click allows for impressive RGB lighting effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet employs an ABS material, similar to its top housing. This offers a consistent low-pitched sound profile throughout the switch. Conversely, the Purple Click features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This creates a distinct auditory experience compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing material in these switches greatly impacts the sound and feel while typing. The Crystal Violet's ABS housing offers a softer and lower-pitched sound both on bottom-out and when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the Purple Click's polycarbonate and nylon housing combination produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound on release, accompanied by a deeper and fuller sound while pressing down on the switch. These contrasts in housing materials provide distinct typing experiences for users. However, if you prefer a similar sound and feel, both switches deliver a relatively low-pitched profile thanks to their ABS components.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly higher than the Purple Click's 40 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a similar level of resistance when pressing all the way down.
In terms of weight, the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, whereas the Purple Click is lighter in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Purple Click's 40-gram actuation force may be more suitable, allowing for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's 45-gram actuation force offers a slightly stronger push, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key response.
It is worth noting that both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the resistance encountered when pressing the keys all the way down will be equal. This similarity ensures that users will achieve comparable results in terms of the overall typing experience, despite the slight differences in actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 switch provides a low-pitched tone that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and mellow auditory experience, thanks in part to the unique use of ABS in the switch housing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinctive high-pitched and satisfying click. The sound profile of the Purple Click is described as crunchy and resonant, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Crystal Violet providing a more mellow tone and the Purple Click delivering a crisp and immersive click.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The switch is known for its smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Additionally, the Crystal Violet is a stepped switch, meaning that it has two stages to its tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is also a stepped switch, offering a similar mild feel and tactile experience. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches offer a stepped tactile feedback, ensuring a comfortable and engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and KTT Purple Click switches differ in their subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet switch provides a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy and mild typing feel. It is best suited for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a high-pitched and satisfying click sound, along with an invigorating and stepped tactile feel. Both switches have their unique qualities and can cater to different preferences. Depending on the desired experience, users can choose between the mellow and relaxed feel of the Crystal Violet or the invigorating and clicky sensation of the Purple Click.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and comfortable typing experience with a gentle tactile feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it falls into the medium-light category, making it suitable for most users. The Crystal Violet switches have a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, which won't be intrusive or distracting. Additionally, the creamy and mild feel of these switches provides a smooth and approachable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying sound of a clicky switch, the KTT Purple Click switch would be a better fit for you. With the same bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a light and responsive keystroke. The Purple Click switches are known for their satisfying high-pitched click sound, which adds an element of satisfaction to your typing experience. Additionally, their stepped feel provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a relaxed and gentle typing experience with a mellow sound profile, go for the Crystal Violet. If you prefer a more invigorating and tactile feel with a satisfying click sound, opt for the Purple Click. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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