Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

Everglide offers a wide range of mechanical keyboard switches, but two popular options are the Crystal Violet and the Tourmaline Blue. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that provides a relaxed and stepped typing experience, perfect for those looking for a gentle and comfortable feel while typing. The switches have a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. One unique aspect of the Crystal Violet switches is their use of ABS in the housing, which adds to the overall smoothness. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. 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

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, while the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate top housing. ABS is a relatively rare plastic for switch housings and produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an ideal material for a switch housing if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

The housing materials also differ for the bottom parts of the switches. The Crystal Violet has an ABS bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Just like with the top housing, ABS brings a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. However, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a role in enhancing the sound quality and resonance. Aesthetically, the increased likelihood of a switch housing being polycarbonate if it's clear makes it a favorable choice when using RGB lighting.

When the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom parts of the switch. As a result, when you press down on the switch, you will feel the qualities associated with the bottom housing. The bottom housing's composition impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when you release a key. So, depending on the preference for the sound profile during typing and releasing a key, the choice of either Crystal Violet or Tourmaline Blue would yield different results.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet exhibits a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, requiring a bit more pressure to register keystrokes. Its bottom out force of 67 grams further emphasizes its medium-heavy nature, offering a more substantial typing sensation for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the Crystal Violet offers a lighter touch, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a more robust and substantial feel during typing sessions.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. In the case of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience and responsiveness. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback provided by the Crystal Violet switch or the smooth linear action of the Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect to achieve consistent and precise results in terms of travel distance with either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

Starting with sound, the Crystal Violet switches are best described as having a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This results in a pleasantly mellow and subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. Both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, but the Crystal Violet switches have a lower-pitched tone while the Tourmaline Blue switches have a more neutral sound.

Moving on to feel, the Crystal Violet switches are known for providing a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy feel is a result of a smooth and buttery keystroke, allowing for effortless gliding of fingers across the keys. This sensation, combined with the mild characteristics of the switch, offers a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as providing a buttery and easy-to-press feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal force required to activate the switches. Similar to the Crystal Violet switches, the Tourmaline Blue switches also offer a mild typing experience that is comfortable and low-impact.

In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switches offer a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press feel. These switches provide unique and enjoyable experiences, catering to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar outcome in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a mild characteristic that creates a safe and approachable typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for bottom out force and sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter touch and a relaxed typing experience, the Crystal Violet with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams is a great choice. It offers a gentle and comfortable feel with a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and thocky sound profile and a slightly heavier feel, the Tourmaline Blue with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams is the way to go. It provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke and strikes a balance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more