KTT F2 vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT F2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT F2 switches are ideal for those who enjoy a distinct hollow sound signature and a lightly textured feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. While the F2 switches are described as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle', the Tourmaline Blues are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Visually, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through effectively.
Despite both keyboards featuring polycarbonate housings, the key difference lies in their color schemes. The KTT F2 boasts a sleek and modern design with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a unique and vibrant blue hue to its polycarbonate housings. This distinction in aesthetics may appeal to different preferences, with the F2's neutral appearance catering to a more understated look, while the Tourmaline Blue's bold color choice adds a pop of personality to the keyboard.
Ultimately, whether you choose the KTT F2 or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a similar sound profile and feel due to their shared use of polycarbonate in their housing materials. The decision may come down to personal preference in terms of design, with the F2's neutral look contrasting with the Tourmaline Blue's striking blue color. Regardless, both keyboards offer a high-quality sound experience and aesthetic appeal through their polycarbonate housings.
Weight
When comparing the KTT F2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier option with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the F2 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The F2 offers a more medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a medium-heavy push feel, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on weight preferences, with the F2 being lighter and the Tourmaline Blue being heavier, catering to different user preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the F2 offering a lighter typing experience and the Tourmaline Blue providing a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The F2 is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the F2 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the F2 being on the shorter end and the Tourmaline Blue on the longer end. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, the KTT F2 switch offers a unique and somewhat subdued sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound that adds to the typing experience. Both switches fall into the neutral category in terms of sound, making them versatile options for various environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT F2 switch is described as offering a feathery and mild typing experience with a lightly textured feel that adds to the tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is noted for providing a buttery and easy-to-press typing sensation with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. Both switches fall into the mild category, offering a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use.
In conclusion, the KTT F2 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the F2 switch provides a subdued sound and a feathery typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch delivers a thocky sound and a buttery feel. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile and falling into the mild category in terms of feel, making them versatile options for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the key characteristics that set them apart. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a subtly textured feel and a distinct hollow sound signature, the F2 switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a bouncy feel and a deep thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments. Additionally, the F2 switch provides a feathery and mild typing feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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