Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Crystal Violet switches are renowned for their light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish Whites offer a medium tactile feel, striking a balance between resistance and comfort. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Both switches fall under the tactile category, providing a satisfying level of feedback for typists. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Bluish White differ significantly. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This ABS material creates a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White uses a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting to be more prominently displayed due to its translucency. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a clearer and resonant sound profile along with enhanced RGB lighting, the Silent Bluish White would be a suitable choice.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches differ yet again. The Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This ABS material offers a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. If you prefer a switch with a softer and more absorbing sound profile, the Silent Bluish White would be the better option.
When considering the impact of each housing material, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Therefore, if you prioritize the tactile experience and sound when pressing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become crucial. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. So, if you focus more on the sound when releasing a key, then the top housing material becomes more significant.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Crystal Violet has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke on the latter. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal Violet requires a force of 55 grams, while the Silent Bluish White only requires 50 grams. Therefore, the Silent Bluish White is both lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Crystal Violet.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White would be the ideal choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a quicker and easier keystroke. This is particularly beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a slightly heavier push feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience favored by some users.
In summary, while both switches have similar characteristics, with the Silent Bluish White being lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, the Crystal Violet offers a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. The Crystal Violet falls into the more traditional category with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a deeper feeling when the key is pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a shallower travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. If you desire a more responsive experience, opting for the Silent Bluish White with its shorter travel distance is recommended. However, if a deep and satisfying keystroke is your preference, the Everglide Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Both switches have their advantages and it is important to consider your own typing or gaming style to ensure the most enjoyable 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 offers a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, making it suitable for both home and office use. The use of ABS in the switch housing contributes to its unique sound characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is designed to be as quiet as possible. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces. The specific sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Its mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, as it strikes a balance between being too pronounced and too subtle. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is described as a stepped switch, meaning it has a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the gentle and comfortable typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Bluish White switch also offers a mild and stepped tactile feel. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Its subtle resistance and polished finish further contribute to its comfortable and refined feel.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches offer desirable qualities. The Crystal Violet switch provides a mellow sound profile with a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its creamy and mild feel, along with the use of ABS in the switch housing, adds to its comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch prioritizes quietness, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. It offers a satisfying level of resistance, a stepped tactile feel, and a buttery and polished typing experience. If you are looking for a quieter option, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a slightly more pronounced sound and a unique ABS housing, the Crystal Violet switch is an excellent option. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences.
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 an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these medium-light switches provide a comfortable resistance without being too heavy. The Crystal Violet switches also offer a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a precise and comfortable typing experience with a focus on quietness, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is a great option. With a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a satisfying level of resistance while still remaining comfortable. The Silent Bluish Whites are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider the level of resistance you desire, as well as your preference for sound and feel. Both switches offer a mild and stepped typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and approachable option for most users. Whether you prioritize a mellow and low-pitched sound or a muted and buttery typing feel, both switches have their unique advantages. In the end, choose the switch that aligns with your specific needs and preferences to maximize your typing enjoyment.
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