KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. Two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both noticeable and satisfying. It combines a light touch with a crisp actuation, giving your fingertips a delightful blend of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating an immersive and satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Additionally, both switches are categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which contributes to a similar sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Thus, both the Ash Gray and Tourmaline Blue switches will deliver a clear and resonant sound, as well as offer a visually appealing option for those who desire RGB lighting.

However, the contrasting housing materials of the Ash Gray and Tourmaline Blue switches lie in their bottom housings. The Ash Gray employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This divergence in material affects the typing experience, as nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Ash Gray switch will showcase the qualities of its nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue will offer a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound.

In summary, while the top housings of the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share the benefits of polycarbonate and deliver similar sound profiles, their differences lie in their respective bottom housings. With a nylon bottom housing, the Ash Gray provides a fuller and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, depending on the desired typing experience, users can choose between a rounder and duller sound with the Ash Gray or a sharper and more resonant sound with the Tourmaline Blue.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ash Gray switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, which is lighter, and a bottom out force of 53 grams, still considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams.

The difference in actuation force means that the Ash Gray switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Tourmaline Blue switch. This lighter actuation force could be preferable for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience or need to type for extended periods of time. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch's medium-light bottom out force provides a satisfying typing experience without requiring excessive force.

In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch's heavier actuation force offers a more substantial typing feel, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feedback. The slightly heavier medium-heavy bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue switch also provides additional resistance, resulting in a greater tactile feedback during typing.

Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference and usage. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Ash Gray would be an ideal choice, providing a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push feedback would gravitate towards the Tourmaline Blue switch. In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches ensure that users can tailor their typing experience to their liking.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ash Gray. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while a distance of 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ash Gray with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for depth and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate level of sound which is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user and whether you plan to use the switches at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It has a light actuation force which requires minimal pressure to activate, resulting in effortless and comfortable typing. This switch is designed to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is categorized as a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable and comfortable.

On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience. Similar to the Ash Gray switch, the Tourmaline Blue switch is also categorized as easy-to-press and mild, providing minimal resistance during key presses and delivering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel.

In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer subjective qualities suited for enjoyable typing experiences. While the Ash Gray switch focuses on combining a light touch with crisp actuation and a comfortable tactile response, the Tourmaline Blue switch emphasizes providing a thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Although they may differ in certain aspects, both switches offer a neutral sound profile and are easy to press, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. If you prioritize a light touch and a crisp actuation, along with a tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, the Ash Gray switch is the ideal choice for you. It provides a delightful blend of tactile feedback without the sandy sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch should be your go-to option. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke, striking a balance with its standard spring weight.

Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, providing a low-impact and comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also easy-to-press and provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light touch and a crisp actuation, along with a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray switch is the way to go. However, if you value a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch is the better option. Consider your typing style, preferred sound, and desired typing feel to make an informed decision. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more