Outemu Crystal vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Two popular choices, the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crystal switches provide a linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight. Not only do they offer a comfortable typing experience, but they also have a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches immerse you in a satisfying typing experience with their deep and thocky sound profile. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Additionally, their standard spring weight strikes a balance, 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 most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, namely their polycarbonate top and bottom housings, come with several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness also leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a desirable choice for switch housings. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination.
One notable difference between the two switches is their physical appearance. While both feature clear housings, each switch has its unique design and aesthetics. The choice between the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may depend on personal preference in terms of the overall look and design of the switch.
Additionally, the impact of the housing materials on the switch's sound profile can vary between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. It is important to consider these factors when selecting a switch, as the resulting sound and tactile feedback can greatly affect the typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, there may be distinctions in their visual design. The overall typing experience and sound profile can also differ due to the varying influence of the housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired aesthetics, as well as the specific preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier 59 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams of pressure, whereas the Tourmaline Blue demands a higher 67 grams. This means that the Crystal switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Tourmaline Blue.
The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Crystal switch make it suitable for those seeking a smoother and lighter typing experience. This lighter touch can be beneficial for individuals who type for long periods, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a stronger push feel, giving a more substantial typing experience. This can cater to users who prefer a more tactile and forceful keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Those who prioritize a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal switch, while individuals who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific typing needs.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will move a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same experience, providing a consistent and responsive feel when typing. Whether you choose the Crystal or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it does not have any specific tonal qualities and produces a balanced sound when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile. This means that it has a rich and bassy sound when pressed, providing a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a more crisp and sharp sound, the high-pitched nature of the Crystal switch might be more appealing. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more immersive typing sound, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a great choice.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a fairly elastic type feel and is medium-lightweight. This combination creates a unique linear typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal switch is described as polished, meaning that it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a bouncy feel with each keystroke. This is due to its lengthened single-stage spring, providing a responsive and springy typing experience. It is also described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. If you prefer a more polished and refined feel, the Crystal switch would be a good choice. However, if you enjoy a bouncier and smoother typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, providing a unique acoustic experience. It also has a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. It has a bouncy and buttery feel, offering a smooth and springy typing sensation. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, the Crystal switch would be a suitable option. If you enjoy a deep and thocky sound and a buttery feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a great choice. It is important to note that the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and offer a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the better choice. With their lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke and strike a balance with their medium-heavy weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Overall, the Crystal switches are known for their polished feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction, while the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. So, depending on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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