TTC Iron vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The TTC Iron is well-known for its pronounced clacky sound signature and remarkably light actuation, making it a great choice for enthusiasts and daily users alike who seek precision and pleasure in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. Both switches are categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, but offer different tactile experiences. 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
41g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ in terms of the sound profiles they create. The Iron's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound profile, whereas the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Iron providing a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the more pronounced and vibrant sound of the Tourmaline Blue.
In addition to sound differences, the housing materials also impact the aesthetics of the switches. The Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housings, especially the clear top housing, are ideal for users who plan to use RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. On the other hand, the POM housings of the TTC Iron may not offer the same visual appeal for those looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. The choice between POM and polycarbonate housings may come down to personal preference in terms of both sound and visual aesthetics.
Despite these differences, both the TTC Iron and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and more muted sound of POM housings or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two may depend on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Iron switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Iron switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer less resistance, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. For individuals who value a more effortless typing experience, the Iron switch would be the preferred choice, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch. In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience they offer, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, slightly shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's 4mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Iron switch may be preferred by those seeking a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, while the Tourmaline Blue switch may be more appealing to individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and would provide comparable results depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch is characterized by its clacky profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that resonates with each press. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences, choice of keyboard, and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron switch is known for being easy-to-press and providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate each key. It offers a mild typing sensation that is comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch boasts a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it offers an easy-to-press actuation with a mild overall typing sensation. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, catering to a range of users with their unique touch and feel.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that both options offer distinct qualities that can cater to different user preferences. While the Iron switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound with a buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, and users can expect satisfying results with either option based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a pronounced clacky sound, the TTC Iron switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to what feels best for you. Happy typing!
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