Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock T1 mechanical keyboard switches, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Crystal Violet, known for its light operating force of 45g, provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It offers a gentle and comfortable feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more comfortable typing experience. Additionally, its sound profile is pleasantly mellow and leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The Crystal Violet also stands out due to its rare use of ABS in its housings. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is renowned for its super comfortable typing experience, characterized by a medium bump when pressing down. The sound produced by these switches resembles the calming sensation of rain falling on a window. Both switches share similarities in being low-pitched, neutral, and stepped, but the Durock T1 is described as having an accented and polished feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock T1 differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom housing of the switches. The Crystal Violet features ABS plastic for both the top and bottom housing, which is relatively rare for switch housings but common in keycaps. This choice results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the Crystal Violet switches. On the other hand, the T1 incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound. If aesthetics and RGB lighting are important, the polycarbonate top housing of the T1 is especially useful due to its translucency.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Crystal Violet and the T1 also differ. The Crystal Violet continues to utilize ABS plastic for its bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. However, the T1 replaces ABS with nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material, and switches using nylon housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the T1 with its nylon bottom housing will offer a different typing experience compared to the Crystal Violet with its ABS bottom housing.
When analyzing the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the T1's nylon bottom housing, with its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound, will give a distinct tactile sensation during typing. Conversely, the top housing material, found in both the Crystal Violet and the T1, will have more influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience, the specific effects will vary between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the T1's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, again falling in the medium-light range. On the other hand, the T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, lighter switches like the Crystal Violet are preferred by users who value extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces provide a smoother and more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the T1 with its heavier bottom out force is sought after by those who desire a more substantial and tactile keystroke feel. These users prioritize a stronger push when typing, which can enhance their overall typing experience.
It is worth mentioning that since the actuation force of the T1 is unknown, it is challenging to compare it precisely to the Crystal Violet in terms of actuation force. However, with the Crystal Violet falling in the medium-light range and the T1's heavier bottom out force, it is likely that the T1 would require a higher actuation force as well.
In summary, while the Crystal Violet offers medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, providing a lighter typing experience, the T1 has a heavier bottom out force, suggesting a more substantial keystroke feel. Therefore, those who prioritize a lighter touch should opt for the Crystal Violet, while those seeking a heavier and more robust typing experience may find the T1 more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock T1 tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, creating a consistent tactile feedback. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 is best known for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is described as low-pitched, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasantly mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is partly attributed to the rare and special use of ABS in these switches' housings. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a super comfortable typing experience with a medium bump when pressing down. The sound of the T1 switches is reminiscent of rain falling on the window. Both switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which means they feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and buttery sensation, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The stepped characteristic of the Crystal Violet means you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the T1 switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. They provide a prominent amount of medium tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, they offer a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Everglide Crystal Violet and Durock T1 switches have some similarities, such as the low-pitched sound profile, they also have some distinct characteristics. The Crystal Violet switches have a lighter operating force and a creamy feel, while the T1 switches have a medium bump and a polished finish. Ultimately, both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between them will depend on personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lighter operating force and a relaxed typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the better option for you. It offers a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The Crystal Violet switch also features a creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch has a stepped tactile feel, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel in each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that resembles rain falling on a window, the Durock T1 tactile switch may be more suitable for you. It also has a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral feel, making it versatile for various purposes. The T1 switch has a stepped tactile feel, providing two stages of feedback in each keystroke. So, depending on your preferences for operating force, sound profile, and tactile feel, you can choose either the Crystal Violet or T1 switch to enhance your typing experience.
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