Kailh Box White vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you'll be pleased to know that we have two great options to consider: the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Box White is a clicky switch that is best known for its maximum audio feedback. Typing on these switches produces a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and provides an accented tactile feel. 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, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Additionally, 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 these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$2.76 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have similar housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics in both switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box White utilizes nylon while the Tourmaline Blue uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Box White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue aligns with its top housing to create a sharper and crisper sound profile.

When using a switch with different top and bottom housings such as the Box White or the Tourmaline Blue, the qualities of each housing material will have a split effect. The bottom housing, whether it's nylon or polycarbonate, will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, with its polycarbonate material, will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to have a range of tactile and auditory experiences when using these switches.

In summary, while the top housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are the same, namely polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Box White features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing to maintain a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the polycarbonate top housing's ability to create a clear and resonant sound profile and its suitability for RGB lighting.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are differences in both their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams, making the Box White slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box White requires a force of 60 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier force of 67 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to reach the bottom, while the Box White is slightly lighter in comparison. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range, so regardless of which one is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box White. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue is more in line with traditional switch travel distances, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box White is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box White. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel, the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. These switches have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched and crisp sound, you'll find it with the Box White, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more moderate and balanced sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and potential factory lubing result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press feel. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with minimal force required for activation. They are gentle on the fingers and reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue can be considered mild, offering a more approachable and middle-ground typing experience. Whether you prefer a polished and refined feel or a buttery and low-impact feel, both switches cater to different preferences.

Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct experiences. The Box White excels in providing a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a polished and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press feel. They strike a balance between their standard spring weight and their bouncy feel. Both switches have their unique appeal and can provide satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences. However, if you enjoy a clicky sound and a polished feel, the Box White is a suitable choice, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a smoother and more accessible typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a clicky typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and offer an accented tactility while typing. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Box White switch would be suitable for your typing preferences.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch would be a better fit. These switches feature a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Tourmaline Blue switch strikes a balance in terms of spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.

In terms of sound, the Box White switch produces a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Box White switch provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press keystroke, ensuring a seamless and low-impact typing sensation. With its mild characteristics, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.

Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch will depend on your preferences for audio feedback, typing experience, and bottom out force. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more