Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, we can see distinct differences in their design and functionality. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch, known for its light operating force of 45g and providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a mellow and lower-pitched sound profile, it offers a gentle and comfortable feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch with a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a balance between comfort and precision. Popular for catering to diverse typing preferences, the Sky V3 is celebrated for its comfort and precision, making it suitable for both enthusiasts and professionals. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is known to produce a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The differences in housing materials between these two switches lead to distinct auditory experiences for the user. While the Crystal Violet offers a softer and more muted sound, the Sky V3 provides a clearer and more resonant typing sound.
The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to its low-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The contrasting housing materials in the bottom housing of these switches further differentiate their overall sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing creates a more subdued typing experience, while the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a more robust and impactful sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Sky V3 play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housings result in a consistent low-pitched sound, the Sky V3's polycarbonate and nylon housings create a mix of sharper and deeper tones. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch sound can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for typing feel and sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Sky V3 also lends itself well to RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the actuation force of the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the 40 grams required for the Sky V3. However, the Crystal Violet also has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown. The Crystal Violet provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Sky V3 may be more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience due to its lighter actuation force. Both switches offer different levels of feedback and resistance, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, this means that you will experience a similar key press feel and feedback in terms of travel distance. The consistent travel distance of both switches provides a standard typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a familiar sensation. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them both equally suitable options for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is known for its low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a neutral sound signature with a subdued quality, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While the Crystal Violet leans towards a bass-heavy tone, the Sky V3 offers a more subtle sound profile, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a pleasant sound experience for users, with the Crystal Violet focusing on a lower-pitched spectrum and the Sky V3 offering a more subdued sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is praised for its creamy and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with a gentle tactile response. The stepped tactile design of the Crystal Violet switch provides a unique typing sensation with two distinct stages during the keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, catering to users who prefer a softer and smoother keystroke.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Dareu Sky V3 switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Crystal Violet excels in providing a mellow and stepped tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Sky V3 focuses on a neutral sound signature and mild typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver comfort, precision, and a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light operating force and a stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, then the Crystal Violet switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a neutral sound signature with a medium-light weight and a more subdued sound profile, the Dareu Sky V3 switch may be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound profile, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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