Everglide Crystal Violet vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Semi Mute. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch, designed for those who value a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute is a linear switch that prioritizes a noise-free environment. Despite its completely silent operation, the KTT Semi Mute provides a satisfying typing feel with its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. Whether you prefer the creamy and low-pitched vibe of the Crystal Violet or the buttery and muted typing experience of the Semi Mute, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Semi Mute differ in terms of their housing materials, particularly in the top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This ABS material contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects in the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Crystal Violet and the Semi Mute utilize ABS material. This common plastic in keycaps also contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the switches. However, the Semi Mute sets itself apart with a polycarbonate bottom housing. This stiffer plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, with a sharper and higher-pitched quality. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing ensures that the impact and bottom-out sound and feel of the keys are enhanced.
It is worth noting that the housing materials play different roles in the overall sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the keys, while the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the Crystal Violet and the Semi Mute distribute the qualities of their respective housing materials between the top and bottom parts of the switches, resulting in differences in sound and feel depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Semi Mute has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light range. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal Violet requires a force of 55 grams, whereas the Semi Mute is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 58 grams.
Weight can play a significant role in the typing experience, and individuals who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Crystal Violet, as its actuation force is slightly lighter. This allows for longer periods of typing without exerting excessive force. On the other hand, the Semi Mute offers a slightly stronger push feel due to its higher bottom out force, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Both switches provide a medium level of force, making them suitable for individuals who desire a balance between ease of keystrokes and a satisfying tactile feedback. Whether one prefers a slightly lighter actuation force or a slightly heavier bottom out force, both the Crystal Violet and the Semi Mute offer options that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute 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 feel the same 4 mm of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of the distance traveled, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for its relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Crystal Violet switch has a pleasantly mellow low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and gentle tone, which contributes to a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS material in the switch housing also adds to the unique sound characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is tailor-made for those who value a noise-free environment. Despite being completely silent, these switches have a muted sound profile. The muted sound ensures a softer and quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and users. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy sensation is a result of the smooth and buttery keystrokes provided by these switches. It feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, as each keystroke melts into the next. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users, as it strikes a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The switch also has a stepped tactile feel, meaning it has two stages of feedback that provide some pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
Similarly, the KTT Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild typing feel. The buttery aspect implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Crystal Violet switch, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switch has a low-pitched sound profile and provides a creamy and mild typing feel, while the KTT Semi Mute switch has a muted sound profile and offers a buttery and mild typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and are suitable for various users and purposes. While each switch has its unique characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light resistance that is suitable for most users. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a medium resistance that is comfortable to type on. Despite being named "Semi Mute," these switches are completely silent in operation, thanks to their advanced dampening technology. Overall, both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the KTT Semi Mute switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and noise level requirements.
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