Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet and Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches - two unique options that cater to different typing preferences. The Crystal Violet switch offers a tactile typing experience with its 45g operating force, ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped sensation while typing. With a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched side, these switches provide a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch boasts a feather-light 35g actuation force, making it perfect for delicate typists. This linear switch offers a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, the Sakura Pink adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Everglide Sakura Pink differ in terms of the plastics used. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. Typing on switches with ABS top housing produces relatively low-pitched sound profiles. In contrast, the Sakura Pink has a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also differ. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS, while the Sakura Pink employs polycarbonate. The bottom housing material contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With ABS, you can expect a relatively low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the bottom housing leads to a sharper and more resonant sound. These differences imply that the choice of bottom housing material impacts the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switch.
It's worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch primarily emphasizes the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of housing materials in a switch ultimately determines its unique characteristics and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sakura Pink's 35 grams. This means that a bit more force is needed to trigger a keystroke on the Crystal Violet switch compared to the Sakura Pink. However, the difference is not significant and both switches fall within the range of light to medium-light actuation forces.
In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, while the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams. Again, the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier in this aspect. Bottoming out refers to pressing a key all the way down, and the Crystal Violet would provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force.
Considering weight, some users may prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The Sakura Pink would be a suitable choice for such users with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Crystal Violet with its slightly heavier forces would be a better option.
In conclusion, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, both switches fall within the light to medium-light range. The Crystal Violet is slightly heavier in both aspects, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience. However, for users seeking lighter switches, the Sakura Pink would be a suitable choice, ensuring comfortable typing for extended periods of time.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback for the user, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet for its tactile response or the Sakura Pink for its smooth linear action, you can be assured that both switches offer an identical travel distance, resulting in a consistent and reliable typing 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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches produce a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks in part to the rare use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches have a more muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience. The switches have a smooth and buttery feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. They also have a stepped feel, meaning that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. This provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches provide a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. They offer a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, with minimal resistance required to activate the keys. Additionally, these switches are frictionless, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches are best suited for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. They provide a gentle and comfortable feel and produce a pleasantly mellow, low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches are perfect for delicate typists who prefer a light actuation force and a frictionless typing experience. They offer a smooth and effortless feel and produce a delightfully poppy sound. While the Crystal Violet and Sakura Pink switches have their own unique qualities, they both excel in providing an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the right choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, accompanied by a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile. The Crystal Violet switches provide a creamy and mild typing experience, with a stepped feel that adds to the tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the perfect fit. These switches have a frictionless and buttery feel, making it easy to glide your fingers across the keys. The Sakura Pink switches produce a muted sound, minimizing any noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the Crystal Violet and Sakura Pink switches comes down to your preferred typing experience - whether you prioritize a relaxed tactile feel or a lightweight linear feel.
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