Everglide Crystal Violet vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

Introducing the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Violet is crafted with a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a gentle and non-intrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, it is ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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 Red Linear

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Silent Red switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic for switch housings. When typing on switches with ABS housing, a low-pitched sound profile is observed. In contrast, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS material similar to its top housing. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall.

It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, understanding the composition of both the top and bottom housing materials is crucial in assessing the overall sound and experience of a switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can observe both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, indicating a light actuation feel. This similarity ensures that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Red requires a slightly heavier 63.5 grams of force, resulting in a medium-heavy bottom out sensation.

Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged usage may lean towards the Crystal Violet switch. Its lower bottom out force allows for extended typing sessions and is well-suited for keyboards used at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and resistant typing feel may gravitate towards the Silent Red switch with its higher bottom out force. This heavier force can provide a sense of confidence and satisfaction during keystrokes, offering a more solid typing experience. Overall, the Crystal Violet can be considered the lighter option, while the Silent Red can be described as the heavier alternative.

Travel distance

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for switches, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you value a highly responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet switch for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch produces a low-pitched sound that leans towards the lower spectrum. This creates a mellow and subtle auditory experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is specifically designed to be muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is important. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant and non-intrusive sound profile, but the Crystal Violet leans towards a lower pitch while the Silent Red focuses on achieving a muted sound.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch provides a creamy and mildly tactile typing experience. The switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant in the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The Crystal Violet also has a mild feel, making it approachable to most users with its balanced characteristics. Additionally, the switch has a stepped tactile feel, meaning it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth, uniform, and effortless typing experience. It also offers a mild feel, similar to the Crystal Violet, and is polished to ensure reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Crystal Violet having a creamy and mildly tactile feel while the Silent Red focuses on delivering a buttery and polished experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have their own unique qualities. In terms of sound, the Crystal Violet leans towards a lower pitched and mellow tone, while the Silent Red is known for its muted and quieter sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Violet offers a creamy, mild, and stepped tactile experience, while the Silent Red provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and smooth typing experience, with the Crystal Violet catering to those who prefer a more tactile response and the Silent Red targeting users who prioritize a quieter environment. As an expert, I would recommend the Crystal Violet for those who enjoy a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience, and the Silent Red for individuals who value a smooth and quiet typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches are the way to go. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a creamy and mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switches are the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfiness. The Silent Reds have a muted sound profile, perfect for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Crystal Violet and TTC Silent Red switches depends on whether you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile experience or a smooth and seamless typing experience without noise. Both options offer their own unique qualities, so consider your preferences and environment when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more