TTC Bluish White vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Bluish White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. Typing on these switches produces a snappy sound profile, and they are known for their buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a truly satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. They 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 these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will both provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to other materials. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a switch with excellent sound performance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, which may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile is maintained from top to bottom, resulting in consistent sound characteristics throughout.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material for both switches greatly impacts their overall sound performance. While the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing largely affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, with the different housing materials in use, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Ultimately, whether one prefers the nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing will depend on their personal preference for the sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. With a lower actuation force, it allows for smoother keystrokes and is well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the contrary, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
While the force measurements differ between the two switches, resulting in distinct typing experiences, it is important to note that both options are designed to satisfy the preferences of different users. If a lighter or heavier force is desired, selecting the switch accordingly will yield similar results in terms of the typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of force for optimal typing comfort.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances. The Bluish White switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the TTC Bluish White switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may find the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch with its longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either faster response times or a more substantial key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
When comparing the sound of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bluish White has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. Both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, but the Bluish Whites provide a snappy sound while the Tourmaline Blues offer a deep and thocky sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Bluish White and Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery typing experience. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless feel. The Bluish Whites are also described as mild, which means they offer a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Additionally, they are referred to as stepped switches, which means they have a two-stage feel, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blues are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue. Both switches have qualities that make them approachable and enjoyable for most users.
Based on the available information, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish Whites have a low-pitched sound profile and provide a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. The Tourmaline Blues, on the other hand, have a neutral sound profile and provide a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. Both switches offer enjoyable and accessible typing experiences, but the choice between them depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. It's worth noting that the keyboard and keycaps used will also impact the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who desires a satisfyingly poppy typing experience and enjoys a light and smooth keystroke, then the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the one for you. These switches have a light bottom out force of 50 grams, providing an effortless and uniform typing sensation. The Bluish Whites also have a low-pitched sound profile, giving you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, these switches are described as buttery and polished, offering reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel with each keystroke, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches strike a balance and are suitable for a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blues have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. They are also easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch will depend on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and force required for activation. Consider factors such as the desired tactile feedback, sound characteristics, and ease of typing when making your decision.
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