Keygeek Keylin vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is renowned for its premium typing feel, achieved through new molds that enhance smoothness and acoustics, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch, offers a unique bouncy sensation with its lengthened single-stage spring, complementing its deep and thocky sound profile, which many users find satisfying and immersive. While the Keylin is perfect for individuals seeking a refined and unobtrusive experience, the Tourmaline Blue appeals to those who appreciate a more responsive and enjoyable tactile feedback. 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
38g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material known for absorbing sound. This contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic dampens the noise generated during key presses. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The clarity of the polycarbonate enhances the overall resonance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more defined auditory feedback when typing.
When considering the impact of these materials on user experience, it becomes evident that the Keylin’s nylon components work harmoniously to create a cohesive sound profile. The dual nylon construction means that both the sound when pressing a key and the sound on release work together to form a duller, rounder auditory experience. This may appeal to users who enjoy a quieter typing sound, offering a more muted and subtle feedback. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its uniform polycarbonate design, delivers high-pitched, clear feedback both during key presses and on release. This construction allows for a heightened auditory sensation that can be particularly gratifying for users who seek a more pronounced acoustic response when typing.
Despite their differing materials, both the Keylin and the Tourmaline Blue can yield satisfactory results for users depending on their personal preferences and typing styles. If one is looking for a rich, fuller sound, the Keylin's nylon housing is likely to deliver just that. Conversely, for a crisper and more high-pitched feedback, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate is the better choice. Ultimately, even with their contrasting characteristics, both housing materials can fulfill distinct needs in the realm of keyboard switches, allowing users to select based on their auditory preferences while still achieving an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable option for users seeking a softer feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer keypress. This difference in force characteristics means that while the Keylin is ideal for those who favor lightness and comfort, the Tourmaline Blue caters to individuals who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, users can expect a distinct experience based on their switch preference, with the Keylin being the lighter choice and the Tourmaline Blue offering a medium-heavy feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue measures 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times due to its quicker activation. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deeper 4 mm travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate the tactile feedback and a more pronounced feeling when pressing keys. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences: the Keylin is ideal for enhanced responsiveness, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Keylin linear switch is noted for its rich acoustics, providing a pleasant auditory backdrop during use. This sets it apart as an excellent option for those who appreciate a full, resonant sound environment while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue produces a deep and thocky sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience that some users might find particularly enjoyable. While both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, the Keylin leans towards a fuller sound, while the Tourmaline's sound is more pronounced and thocky, appealing to users looking for that particular acoustic signature.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Keylin switch emphasizes exceptional smoothness, making each keystroke a fluid experience; however, specific details about its resistance level and actuation force are not provided. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue offers an easy-to-press feel with a gentle resistance, requiring minimal effort for activation. This design not only ensures a comfortable typing experience but also reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, with its mild characteristics, the Tourmaline Blue balances responsiveness and comfort, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of typists.
Overall, both the Keygeek Keylin and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer distinctive benefits, catering to different preferences among users. While the Keylin provides a premium, smooth experience complemented by rich acoustics, the Tourmaline Blue serves up a deep sound and ease of use, making typing both enjoyable and accessible. Depending on your focus—sound quality or an effortless typing feel—each switch can deliver a fulfilling experience, ensuring that users will find satisfaction in their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting between Keygeek Keylin linear switches and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter feel with softer actuation and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Keylin switches would be your go-to choice. Their 48-gram bottom-out force makes them particularly suited for long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while providing a premium acoustic experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more bouncy, medium-heavy typing experience that offers a satisfying deep sound, the Tourmaline Blue switches will likely resonate more with you. With a 67-gram bottom-out force, they strike a balance that is enjoyable for a variety of users, making them ideal if you appreciate a gentle resistance and a richer auditory feedback. Both switches are well-crafted; however, your decision should depend on whether you prioritize lightness and smoothness over a more pronounced tactile and acoustic experience. Choose the Keylin for effortless typing or the Tourmaline Blue for that immersive sound and slight bounciness, and you'll be set to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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