KTT Laurel vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Laurel, a medium-light linear switch, boasts a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design, delivering a remarkable blend of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, it offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Notably, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have different housing materials, with the Laurel featuring POM (polyoxymethylene) housings and the Tourmaline Blue featuring polycarbonate housings. POM housings in the Laurel create a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile, while polycarbonate housings in the Tourmaline Blue create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound is due to the stiffness of the plastic used, with polycarbonate being relatively stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in the top housing of a switch if RGB lighting is intended.

In terms of the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. However, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the difference in housing materials between the Laurel and the Tourmaline Blue would result in variations in the tactile experience and sound profile of these switches.

Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ, they both offer unique sound profiles. The Laurel, with its POM housing, creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate housing, produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches provide an incredibly pleasing and unique sound experience. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Tourmaline Blue is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Consequently, although there are differences between the two, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and can result in similar satisfaction when it comes to keystrokes.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it becomes apparent that there are significant differences between the two. The Laurel has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, which means that it requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to activate. When it comes to bottoming out, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force, while the Tourmaline Blue demands 67 grams, making it a heavier switch.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Laurel. Its lower actuation force and lighter bottom out force make it suitable for those who type for extended periods, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue with its higher forces may be more appealing. This switch provides a greater push sensation, which can be satisfying for those seeking a more pronounced tactile experience while typing.

It is worth noting that if a keyboard user prefers similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, they should opt for either the Laurel or the Tourmaline Blue, as both switches require a force within the same range. However, it is important to recognize that the Laurel is the lighter option, with lower forces compared to the slightly heavier Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel, with some opting for a lighter touch and others favoring a heavier, more substantial keystroke experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. These distances indicate that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Laurel. Generally, a traditional travel distance for switches is around 4.0 mm, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance, like the Laurel, can provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with longer travel distances. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better choice. Nevertheless, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance when compared to the more traditional options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its medium-light linear feel and a subtly low-pitched sound profile. The switch provides a balance of responsiveness and comfort due to its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. It has a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. The Tourmaline Blue switch strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.

In terms of sound, the Laurel switch produces a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it offers a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The choice of board and keycaps can also affect the sound characteristics of the switches.

When it comes to feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, which means it is super responsive and provides a more alive typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, as it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue switch can be considered mild, as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most.

Overall, the Laurel and Tourmaline Blue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, a buttery and easy-to-press feel, as well as a mild typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and snappy feel, the Laurel switch would be a great choice. However, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound, a buttery and easy-to-press feel, and a mild typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you value a light bottom out force and a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, then the Laurel is a great option. It offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue is an excellent choice. It features a lengthened single-stage spring, offering a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blue is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels.

Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a low-pitched and snappy typing experience or a neutral and buttery feel, both switches offer their unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Consider your preferences for sound, actuation force, and typing feel to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more