Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are interested in a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique tactile experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet might be the ideal choice. These switches have a light operating force of 45g and offer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, making them perfect for those who want a comfortable feel while typing. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches produce a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is partly because of the rare and special use of ABS in the housings of these switches. On the other hand, if having a quiet typing experience is your main priority, the TTC Silent Frozen switch could be a perfect fit. These switches are well-known for having an extremely quiet sound profile and providing a super smooth and pillowy feel while typing. They are categorized as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a unique blend of comfort and silence. However, let's delve a bit deeper into specifics so that you can make the best decision regarding the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the TTC Silent Frozen differ significantly. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top and bottom housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches with ABS housing. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As a result, the Silent Frozen offers a more clear and resonant sound experience due to its polycarbonate housing.
Additionally, aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Frozen is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for a better display of the lighting effects, making it visually appealing. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing does not offer the same level of translucency for showcasing RGB lighting. Therefore, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and RGB lighting, the Silent Frozen would be a more suitable choice.
However, when it comes to the feel of the switch, the housing materials have a different impact. The qualities of the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the sharper sound and feel when bottoming-out. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches plays a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when using either switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Silent Frozen switches exhibit significant differences. The Crystal Violet's ABS housing offers a lower-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The polycarbonate housing in the Silent Frozen also provides better translucency for RGB lighting. However, both switches share similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, with the bottom housing having a more significant impact. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, aesthetics, and lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Frozen's 39 grams. This means that the Crystal Violet requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Crystal Violet is also slightly heavier with 55 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's 43 grams. This indicates that the typing experience on the Crystal Violet will feel slightly more substantial due to the higher bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Frozen would be the more suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet provides a more substantial resistance, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
Overall, while the Crystal Violet has slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Silent Frozen, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. So, if someone is looking for similar results, either option can provide a satisfactory typing experience based on their preference for a lighter or slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have different travel distances. The Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered more standard, while 3.5 mm is on the shallower side. These days, shorter travel distances are becoming popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Silent Frozen switch with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. However, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the switch with the longer travel distance for a more satisfying depth to their typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking for.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 Crystal Violet switch is best known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks in part to the rare use of ABS in the switches' housings. As for the feel, the Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. The Crystal Violet switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users.
On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. It is also super smooth and has a pillowy type feel. In terms of sound, the Silent Frozen switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The low-pitched profile adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the auditory experience, while the muted characteristic ensures a softer and quieter sound.
In conclusion, the Crystal Violet and the Silent Frozen switches have different sound and feel qualities. The Crystal Violet switch offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a pleasantly mellow and lower-pitched sound profile. It has a creamy, mild, and stepped feel that provides a smooth and buttery typing sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is exceptionally quiet and super smooth, with a thocky sound profile and a pillowy feel. While both switches offer unique qualities, if you prefer a low-pitched and mellow sound with a smooth and buttery feel, you can expect similar results from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be the ideal choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a creamy and mild typing feel, allowing you to effortlessly glide your fingers across the keys. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switch is pleasantly low-pitched, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. It is also characterized by its ABS housing, which contributes to its mellow sound.
On the other hand, if quietness is your top priority, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the better option. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, it offers a feathery and subtle typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Silent Frozen switch is renowned for its extremely quiet sound profile, producing a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound when pressed. Additionally, it provides a buttery and polished typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Silent Frozen switches will depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile feel with a mellow sound, the Crystal Violet is the way to go. However, if you value a silent and smooth typing experience with a thocky sound, the Silent Frozen is the better option. Consider your priorities and choose accordingly.
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