Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Brown. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch meticulously designed with a light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches provide a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. One of the standout features of the Silent Brown switches is their muted sound profile, which ensures a quiet and peaceful typing session. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housings, which is a relatively rare choice for switch housings but commonly used in keycaps. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the Crystal Violet switches. Conversely, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic compared to ABS, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Crystal Violet and Silent Brown diverge further. The Crystal Violet sticks with ABS for its bottom housing, once again resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown adopts a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.

With regards to the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the impact of the housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, whether using the Crystal Violet or Silent Brown, the choice of housing materials will have distinct effects on both the auditory and tactile aspects of typing. While the Crystal Violet may offer a softer and lower-pitched profile, the Silent Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound experience.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, is equal for both switches, coming in at 45 grams. This means that users can expect a consistent and comparable typing experience regarding the initial keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, which measures the force needed to fully press down a key, we see a distinction. The Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Violet switch. Its slightly lighter bottom out force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for extended work sessions or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may find the Silent Brown switch more to their liking. With its heavier bottom out force, typing with these switches will provide a satisfying tactile feedback. In summary, while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the bottom out force differentiates them, with the Crystal Violet being lighter and the Silent Brown being heavier.

Travel distance

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances. This allows them to actuate the keys with less force and achieve quicker keystrokes. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Everglide Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. It provides a greater sense of depth and can be preferred by individuals who value a more noticeable keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its pleasantly mellow sound profile. These low-pitched switches create a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This is in part due to the rare and special use of ABS in the switches' housings. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience. With a smooth and buttery sensation, these switches offer a silky feel when typing, as if effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. They also fall into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a stepped feel, meaning they have two stages that offer a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch delivers a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation, similar to the feeling of a polished switch with a smooth and refined finish. They also offer reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet has a low-pitched sound profile with a mellow tone and a creamy, mild, and stepped feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. While they have some similarities in terms of being mild and offering a comfortable typing experience, the Crystal Violet is known for its unique low-pitched sound and stepped feel, while the Silent Brown focuses on a muted sound and polished feel. It's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light resistance that is comfortable for long typing sessions. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet is low-pitched and mellow, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the creamy and mild feel of these switches enhances the typing sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, if you prioritize a muted sound profile and a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Crystal Violet. However, it still provides a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The muted sound of the Silent Brown switch ensures a quieter typing experience, which is perfect for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for operating force, sound profile, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more