Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Ice King Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both offer a tactile typing experience but with distinct characteristics. The Crystal Violet is known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile feel that is gentle and comfortable for typing. Its sound profile is mellow and lower-pitched, offering a non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the special use of ABS in the switch housings. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switches elevate tactile typing to an art form with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump that creates a uniquely satisfying experience. Both switches offer a stepped tactile feel, but the Crystal Violet leans towards a mild and neutral profile, while the Ice King Tactiles are described as silky and polished. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features ABS top and bottom housings, which are relatively rare for switch housings. This results in a low-pitched sound profile when typing, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon top and bottom housings, a more common material for switch housings. The nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to ABS. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Crystal Violet and Ice King Tactile switches offer a smooth typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The ABS housing of the Crystal Violet provides a distinct low-pitched sound when typing, while the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches showcase the importance of housing material in creating a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer the softer sound of nylon or the sharper sound of ABS, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Crystal Violet and Ice King Tactile switches, it becomes clear that the choice of material can impact the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The split design of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch allows for a balance of qualities between the two parts. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This split design showcases how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of a switch.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force while the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams. The Crystal Violet provides a medium-light typing experience, whereas the Ice King Tactile offers a medium-heavy feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Crystal Violet would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a more solid and substantial typing experience is desired, the Ice King Tactile would be the preferred option. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, but the difference in actuation and bottom out forces allows users to choose the one that best suits their preference for typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm. The slight difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. The Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress feel, whereas the Ice King Tactile with a shorter travel distance can offer a quicker response time. Gamers looking for faster input may prefer the Ice King Tactile, while those seeking a more tactile typing experience may opt for the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 renowned for its gentle and comfortable feel, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switch is characterized by a low-pitched and mellow tone, offering a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience that leans towards the bass-heavy spectrum. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch sets itself apart with a creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. The sound produced by the Ice King Tactile switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Violet provides a creamy and mild typing experience, with a stepped tactile feel that offers two stages in the keystroke. This results in a silky sensation and smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly across the keys. In comparison, the Ice King Tactile offers a silky and frictionless typing experience, with a polished finish that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid key travel. The stepped tactile feel of the Ice King Tactile switch also adds to the overall smoothness and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and mellow sound with a creamy and mild typing feel, the Ice King Tactile offers a satisfying tactile experience with a subdued sound profile and silky smooth key travel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver a high-quality performance that enthusiasts will appreciate. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for specific sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet would be an excellent choice. These switches provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a stepped tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches would be more suitable for you. With their creamy and silky typing experience, these switches offer a unique tactile bump that enhances the overall smoothness of your typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet and Durock Ice King Tactile switches.
Mentioned in this article
