Durock Light Tactile vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

The Durock Light Tactile and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages for different typing preferences. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches offers an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch by Everglide is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating an immersive and satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches deliver a bouncy feel with every keystroke. They strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their own unique appeal, offering different levels of tactility and sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the most informed decision when choosing the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Light Tactile and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have comparable housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for users who prioritize audio feedback. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the effective utilization of RGB lighting to enhance the visual aesthetics.

However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings. The Light Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of the top housing. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Tourmaline Blue will be sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper compared to the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing.

While the Light Tactile and the Tourmaline Blue exhibit differences in their bottom-out sound and feel due to the variations in their bottom housing materials, the impact of the top housing material remains consistent for both switches. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. In this regard, the polycarbonate top housings of both switches contribute to the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile upon key release. Essentially, users can expect similar results in terms of audio feedback and key release sound regardless of whether they choose the Light Tactile or the Tourmaline Blue.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. Interestingly, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Durock Light Tactile may be a suitable choice as it requires less force to register a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, users who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, which offers a slightly heavier actuation force. This added resistance can provide a satisfying push feel during typing.

In terms of the bottom out force, both switches are equal, meaning that the force required to fully depress the keys and bottom out is the same. This ensures consistent feedback regardless of the chosen switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and the desired typing experience – lighter and more ergonomic with the Durock Light Tactile or slightly heavier and more substantial with the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when you press down on a key. In the case of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a 4 mm distance of travel. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile feel and feedback to the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Light Tactile and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a similar neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making them suitable for most purposes and users. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle tactility of this switch provides a safe and approachable typing sensation, while the polished finish contributes to smooth and sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal force required for activation. The light actuation force of these switches enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a gentle and refined typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Tourmaline Blue switch immerses you in a thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and smooth typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. Its mild and polished characteristics provide a safe and approachable feel, while its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature offer a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is the way to go. With its buttery keystroke experience and low-impact typing feel, it ensures a seamless and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, making them suitable for a wide range of users. So, whether you prioritize a gentle and refined typing experience or a deep and satisfying sound profile, you can't go wrong with either option. Enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey!

Mentioned in this article

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more