TTC Gold Brown vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Gold Brown is known for its balanced nature, with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It has a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, making it ideal for those who want a tactile typing experience without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a truly satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, striking a balance with its standard spring weight. Both switches have their own unique qualities, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan on using RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics from both switches' top housings.

However, the bottom housings of the Gold Brown and Tourmaline Blue switches differ. The Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing in creating a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will primarily be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, hence users can expect a deeper and fuller sound from the Gold Brown, while the Tourmaline Blue will offer a sharper and crisper experience.

In summary, the main point of differentiation between the TTC Gold Brown and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches lies in their bottom housings. While both switches boast polycarbonate top housings that enhance sound clarity and resonate well, the Gold Brown stands out with its nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a consistent crisp and sharp sound. However, users can still enjoy a similar sound experience when pressing down on both switches, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium force range. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue boasts an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Although the Gold Brown requires a slightly lighter touch for actuation, both switches offer a comparable tactile experience. For those who prefer a lighter overall feel, the Gold Brown may be the preferred choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are slightly lower. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results and provide a consistent typing experience. Therefore, there is no difference in the travel distance between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch fall into the category of "neutral". This means that they have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of uses, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gold Brown tactile switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. These switches have a gentle tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a satisfying and approachable typing sensation. Additionally, the Gold Browns have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction.

On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch also provides a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches have an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Gold Browns, the Tourmaline Blues offer a seamless and uniform typing sensation.

In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provide balanced qualities that make them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. While the Gold Browns offer a slightly weighted and rounded sound profile, the Tourmaline Blues provide a deep and thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with the Gold Browns having a polished finish for reduced friction. Regardless of your choice, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and satisfying typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches provide a moderate weightiness along with a slight, satisfying bump. They also have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, creating a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a fantastic option. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown provides a more gentle typing experience with characteristics such as a buttery and polished finish, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for the sound, feel, and weight of the switches. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more