KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Crystal Violet

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Ash Gray switch is known for its combination of a light touch and crisp actuation, providing a satisfying tactile response that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, these switches have distinct sound profiles, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards a lower-pitched spectrum for a more subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Both switches are categorized as mild and neutral, but the Ash Gray is described as easy to press, while the Crystal Violet is creamy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ significantly. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Crystal Violet has an ABS top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, ABS produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for RGB lighting, whereas ABS is more commonly found in keycaps. Therefore, the Ash Gray's top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the Crystal Violet's top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon material, while the Crystal Violet uses ABS. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a dulled and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, ABS in the Crystal Violet yields a relatively low-pitched sound. Thus, the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing offers a slightly lower-pitched sound.

When considering the overall sound experience of these switches, it's essential to understand that if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and the bottom. While pressing down on a switch, you will primarily feel the impact and qualities of the bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing the key, the top housing will influence the sound. So, despite the differences, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Crystal Violet aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, although the specific characteristics may vary.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Ash Gray requires 38 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Crystal Violet requires 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, but the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ash Gray has a force of 53 grams, while the Crystal Violet has a force of 55 grams. Again, both switches fall into the medium-light range, but the Crystal Violet is slightly heavier in this aspect as well.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ash Gray, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for longer periods of typing, such as in work or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Crystal Violet, as it has slightly heavier forces for both actuation and bottom out.

Overall, while there may be slight differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the Ash Gray and Crystal Violet tactile switches, they are both in the medium-light range, providing a similar typing experience. However, those looking for a slightly lighter switch may prefer the Ash Gray, whereas those seeking a slightly heavier switch may find the Crystal Violet more to their liking.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal Violet has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of the traditional scale, the Ash Gray falls on the shorter side with its 3.5 mm travel distance, while the Crystal Violet is closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Ash Gray a popular choice among them. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal Violet more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique experience, catering to different preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experiences, but the Crystal Violet provides a subtly different sound experience due to the special use of ABS in its housing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for being easy to press. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Ash Gray provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel. It is also described as having a mild typing experience, falling in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its tactile characteristics.

On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a creamy and stepped typing experience. The creamy switch designation indicates a smooth and buttery typing feel, reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to the presence of lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch also falls into the mild category, providing a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is worth highlighting that the Crystal Violet switch also offers a stepped feel, meaning that it has a two-stage tactile response. This gives the switch a more subdued tactile sensation, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during each keystroke.

In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches differ in their sound and feel qualities. The Ash Gray has a neutral sound profile, while the Crystal Violet has a low-pitched sound profile. The Ash Gray offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, while the Crystal Violet provides a creamy, mild, and stepped typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, but with subtle variations. However, if you prefer one aspect over the other or want similar results, you can expect comparable tactile feedback from both switches, albeit with slight differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be a suitable choice. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a crisp actuation with a light touch. The sound profile of the Ash Gray switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, using it at home or at work. In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter operating force and a relaxed, stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch would be a good choice. With its light operating force of 45g, this switch offers a gentle and comfortable feel. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switch is pleasantly mellow and leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is described as mild and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It also has a stepped feel, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter operating force, a mellow sound profile, and a slightly more luxurious typing experience, the Crystal Violet switch would be a great choice. Consider your typing style, preferences, and the specific feel and sound you desire when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more