TTC Flaming Pink vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer two distinct experiences for users seeking both performance and satisfaction. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being bright yet not overly loud, making them ideal for gamers and casual typists alike. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are characterized by their deep, thocky sound profile that not only delivers an immersive typing experience but also provides a bouncy feel thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. While both switches cater to a wide audience, the Flaming Pink is often preferred for its premium, versatile feel, whereas the Tourmaline Blue is appreciated for its engaging acoustic feedback and enjoyable accessibility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in material choice means that both switches are well-suited for clear and resonant audio feedback, appealing to those who prioritize an engaging typing experience. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate lends a degree of translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing users to appreciate vibrant lighting when integrated into their keyboard designs. Consequently, buyers seeking similar auditory results will find that both switches, due to their polycarbonate top housing, can deliver an equally immersive and visually appealing experience.
However, the characteristics of the bottom housing diverge significantly between the two models. The Flaming Pink uses nylon for its bottom housing, a material renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue opts for polycarbonate, mirroring the properties of its top housing. This difference means that while both switches can create an impactful top-out sound with their polycarbonate tops, the Flaming Pink’s nylon bottom will cushion and soften the sound when bottoming out, resulting in a rounder audio feedback. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom maintains a consistent sound profile that aligns with the sharper characteristics of its top, leading to a more defined bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the varying bottom housing materials contribute to the overall tactile experience of each switch. The Flaming Pink's nylon bottom enhances the typing experience by absorbing more sound and providing a cushioned keypress feel, making it ideal for quieter typing environments. The Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate bottom, maintains a uniform sharp sound across both the top and bottom of the switch, which may appeal to users looking for a consistent auditory response. In summary, while the top housing materials yield similar sonic properties for both switches, the differences in bottom housing materials significantly influence the overall sound profile and typing feel, thereby offering distinct experiences to users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience with a stronger push feel. This makes the Flaming Pink the lighter option, suitable for comfort over prolonged use, while the Tourmaline Blue’s higher force designation caters to users seeking a more substantial response. Consequently, if one seeks a typing experience that prioritizes ease and endurance, the Flaming Pink would be the preferable choice, whereas the Tourmaline Blue would serve better for those who favor a firmer feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Flaming Pink switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, making it easier to register quick keystrokes. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue switch, with its longer travel distance, may deliver a more substantial feel during typing, which some users might find more comfortable. Although the Flaming Pink switch's travel distance is only slightly less than traditional at 4.0 mm, it aligns with the trend toward shorter distances for enhanced responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding response time and typing feel, with the Flaming Pink offering a more agile experience while the Tourmaline Blue provides a more pronounced depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switches are designed to produce a bright yet not overly loud profile, striking a balance that makes them suitable for both gaming and daily typing tasks without being intrusive. Their notable bottom-out sound is satisfying and contributes to a premium typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a fulfilling acoustic feedback without overwhelming noise levels. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are characterized by a deep and thocky sound profile, offering a more pronounced and immersive auditory experience with each keystroke. This thocky quality adds a unique dimension to the typing experience, appealing particularly to users who enjoy auditory feedback that feels rich and resonant. However, it is essential to consider that the overall sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink boast a smooth and responsive keystroke. Although the detailed descriptors for their feel are not specified, the impression is that they provide an enjoyable typing experience that is well-suited for extended use. Meanwhile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches excel with their buttery and easy-to-press characteristics. Users will find a seamless and uniform typing sensation that feels effortless with each key press, thanks in part to a standard spring weight that balances resistance and activation force. This mild feel is approachable for many users, making typing comfortable and enjoyable, particularly during longer sessions.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, they can deliver satisfying typing experiences in their own right. The Flaming Pink offers a bright sound profile and a smooth keystroke appeal, while the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep auditory feedback and bouncy feel. Depending on individual tastes, either switch can provide an enriching experience, and users may find success with both thanks to their quality designs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will play a crucial role. If you’re looking for a light touch and fluid typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during long hours of typing or gaming, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its smooth and responsive feel, combined with a satisfying yet not overpowering sound profile, makes it suitable for everyday use in various environments, from home to office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced, bouncy typing experience with a deeper, more thocky sound, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option. The higher bottom-out force and buttery feel provide a tactile sensation that many typists enjoy, making them great for both casual and intensive typing sessions. Ultimately, consider whether you value a lighter and more effortless keystroke with the Flaming Pink or a more substantial typing experience with the Tourmaline Blue, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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