KTT Cream Yellow vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring in the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it also provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Furthermore, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and easily 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 preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we find that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and compatibility with RGB lighting in both the Cream Yellow and the Tourmaline Blue.
However, the bottom housings differ between the two switches. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, both the Cream Yellow and the Tourmaline Blue share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, including sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles, as well as compatibility with RGB lighting. However, they differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound characteristic of its top housing. As a result, users can expect distinct sound experiences depending on which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. Similarly, the Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier force of 67 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important factor for many users. Those who prefer a lighter switch often find it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, making it suitable for work or leisure purposes. On the other hand, users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better choice.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches are not the same, their differences are minimal. Both switches have medium to medium-heavy forces, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. Therefore, although the Tourmaline Blue requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and typing experience from both switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can observe a difference in their distances. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Tourmaline Blue falls within the average range of 4.0 mm, while the Cream Yellow is on the shallower side with its 3.5 mm distance. However, with the increasing prevalence of shorter travel distances in keyboards, some individuals may prefer the Cream Yellow for its quicker response time when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and deep feel while typing may opt for the Tourmaline Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch produces a distinctively clacky sound. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch has a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use these switches at home or work, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a satisfying typing experience without being too loud or too soft. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy sensation. When you press the keys, you'll experience a spring-like or elastic feedback that gives you a lively feel and rebound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery feel. This means that the keystroke experience is smooth, fluid, and effortless. The keys provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch make it approachable to most users, offering a gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow switch provides a clacky sound that is crisp and bright, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a more neutral sound profile suitable for various users. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy sensation with a uniquely bouncy typing feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. Both switches have their own merits and can enhance the typing experience in their own way. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that suits your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. Additionally, it offers a uniquely bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. Its buttery and easy-to-press feel provides a smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal force required. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a buttery and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches and determine which sound and feel resonate with you the most. Happy typing!
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