Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that each offers unique features catered to different preferences. The Crystal Violet switch is lauded for its tactile feedback, with a light operating force of 45g that provides a relaxed and stepped typing experience. Its sound profile is described as creamy and low-pitched, offering a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch boasts a linear typing experience with an all-POM construction that provides a smooth keystroke. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, this switch is ideal for light typists seeking comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or a smooth linear typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Purple Star both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Crystal Violet uses ABS for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile, the Purple Star utilizes POM for both housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials providing a unique auditory feedback.
However, when comparing the top housings of the Crystal Violet and the Purple Star, it is clear that the POM material of the Purple Star creates a more pleasing sound compared to the ABS material of the Crystal Violet. The POM housing of the Purple Star leads to a deeper and more muted sound profile, which some users may prefer over the higher pitch of ABS. This difference in sound quality showcases how the materials used in switch housings can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Crystal Violet and the Purple Star offer unique qualities due to their ABS and POM materials, respectively. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to the low-pitched sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star adds to the deeper and more muted sound. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housings highlights how each material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing or pressing down on the keys.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, while the Purple Star only requires 50 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Star switch, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Crystal Violet.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the KTT Purple Star linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Crystal Violet offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press experience compared to the shallower travel distance of the Purple Star. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth 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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, creating a mellow and soothing auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound, ensuring a calming typing atmosphere. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet provides a creamy and mild typing sensation with a stepped tactile experience, offering a smooth and gentle keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Star boasts an easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless with its light actuation force. Overall, both switches offer comfortable typing experiences, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards a more stepped tactile feel, and the Purple Star providing a buttery smooth linear experience. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Purple Star, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a light operating force and a stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, then the Crystal Violet may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an all-POM construction for a buttery smooth typing experience with a very light bottom-out force, the Purple Star could be the ideal option. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on your individual needs.
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