TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches are both compelling options to consider. The Gold Red Pro is lauded for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that caters to various preferences. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While the Gold Red Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Tourmaline Blue is buttery and easy-to-press. Both switches have their unique strengths and suitability for different users and settings. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the Gold Red Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Gold Red Pro employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, which is where the differences between the Gold Red Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue become apparent. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro offers a unique typing experience with a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing of a switch affects the sound when releasing a key, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for this component. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and feel when typing on either the Gold Red Pro or the Tourmaline Blue due to their shared top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the two. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Tourmaline Blue has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down compared to the Gold Red Pro, which does not specify a bottom out force. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches caters to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro being lighter and the Tourmaline Blue offering a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual typing preferences, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Red Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while some may find it too abrupt. On the other hand, a longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying keystroke feel for those who prefer more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro offers a neutral and low-pitched profile, creating a harmonious typing environment suitable for any setting. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound that immerses the user in a satisfying typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue's sound is more pronounced and distinct compared to the more balanced and neutral sound of the Gold Red Pro.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is characterized as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a seamless and effortless typing feel with minimal force required for key presses. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Gold Red Pro leans towards a smoother and more refined feel, while the Tourmaline Blue focuses on ease of keystrokes with minimal resistance.
Taking all the available information into account, the decision between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue ultimately comes down to personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a polished, refined feel, the Gold Red Pro is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a more distinct and thocky sound along with an easy-to-press and buttery feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better choice. In general, both switches offer a versatile typing experience, and regardless of your decision, you can expect a satisfying result with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, your choice should be based on your individual preferences and needs. If you value versatility, adaptability, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a deep, thocky sound profile, a bouncy feel with each keystroke, and an easy-to-press key switch, the Tourmaline Blue could be the ideal option. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what will enhance your overall typing experience.
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