Gateron Ink Red vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that deserve consideration are the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Ink Red is a linear switch renowned for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. Its smoothness and crispy, clacky sound profile further enhance the typing experience, providing effortless and satisfying keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a delightful typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with every keystroke. The balance struck by the Tourmaline Blue's standard spring weight also makes it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have distinct differences. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housing. The INK blend of the Gateron Ink Red is praised for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.

Although the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ, they both provide satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profiles. The INK blend of the Ink Red delivers a slightly less sharp and clacky sound compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue. However, both switches offer an enjoyable and distinct auditory experience. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the sound profiles may have slight variations, users can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction with the sound produced by these switches.

In terms of durability, the differences between the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue come into play. The proprietary INK blend of the Ink Red and the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue provide different levels of sturdiness. The INK blend may offer a good balance between flexibility and strength, ensuring longevity without compromising the performance of the switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing's stiffness contributes to a tougher and more robust build, potentially enhancing the overall durability of the Tourmaline Blue switch. When considering the longevity of the switches, users should take into account their specific usage and preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as well as their preferences for enhanced RGB lighting effects.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Ink Red is lighter than the Tourmaline Blue. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams, making it slightly heavier. Similarly, the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, again making it slightly heavier.

The actuation force refers to the force required to trigger a keystroke. Both the Ink Red and the Tourmaline Blue have medium actuation forces, but the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly stronger push at 59 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

On the other hand, the bottom out force measures the force required to completely press down a key. Both switches have medium to medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the Ink Red requiring 60 grams and the Tourmaline Blue requiring 67 grams. This indicates that both switches offer a similar level of resistance when bottoming out, resulting in a comparable typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is lighter with a lighter actuation and bottom out force, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is slightly heavier with a stronger actuation and bottom out force. However, despite these differences, both switches still offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight variations in force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel while typing.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience provided by these switches, as they offer the same level of key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its neutral sound profile with a slight chirp, giving it a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue also has a neutral sound profile, but it offers a deep and thockey sound that immerses the user in a satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant sound profile, with the Ink Red having a crisp and clacky sound, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and immersive sound. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver satisfying results, whether you prefer a chirpy sound or a deep thock.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red is described as silky, mild, and polished. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. This implies a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Ink Red providing a polished and refined feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a seamless and low-impact typing sensation.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have their own unique qualities. While the Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force and satisfyingly smooth feel, it also offers a crisp and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, providing a bouncy feel and a deep, thocky sound. Both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences and are accessible to a wide range of users. Depending on personal preference, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, making either choice a great option for newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a crispy and clacky sound profile. They are described as having a neutral or chirpy sound and a silky, mild, or polished feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch and enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great fit. With their standard spring weight and lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. They are also described as having a neutral sound and a buttery, easy-to-press, or mild feel.

In terms of sound and feel, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, or if you plan to use these switches at home or work, they will meet your needs.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and the type of sound and feel you prefer, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more