TTC Gold Silver vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as top contenders. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out and a resonant sound signature with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it accessible to a wide range of users. 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for clarity and resonance in the sound of the switches, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing makes these switches perfect for use with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience.
However, where the Gold Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in materials affects the sound profile of the switches, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the Gold Silver and the Tourmaline Blue. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver 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 compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. While the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium to heavy feel when typing. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial push feel, ideal for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances, with the Gold Silver having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Tourmaline Blue having a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue, which could result in a faster response time for gamers who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth to the key presses for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and resonant typing experience. Combined with its polished, silky, mild, and subtle feel, it offers a smooth and refined typing sensation with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel, it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance. Both switches feature a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various users and environments. Ultimately, whether you choose the TTC Gold Silver or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, precise keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a deep and thocky sound profile, a bouncy feel, and a switch with a balanced spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the kind of typing experience you value most – whether it's quick and precise or immersive and satisfying. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing the one that aligns with your typing style is key.
Mentioned in this article
