KTT Lightning vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Lightning switches are renowned for their "speed" characteristics, making them ideal for situations where split-second decisions can make or break a game. Typing on the Lightning switches offers a smooth and slick feel, accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a truly satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they offer 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. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch that suits your typing or gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have similar housing materials when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Lightning and the Tourmaline Blue when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the main difference lies in the housing material used for the bottom housing. The Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Lightning switch will elicit a duller and rounder sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feeling when pressing down on the switch will predominantly be influenced by the bottom housing, so the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
In summary, both the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share the advantage of using polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in improved sound quality and the option for RGB lighting. However, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Lightning's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials is crucial for users looking to achieve their desired typing experience and sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Lightning switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch possesses a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning switch would be the ideal choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter weight allows for extended periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial and stronger push feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be the better option. Its actuation and bottom out forces offer a medium-heavy typing experience, providing a satisfying and tactile feel to the keystrokes.
Although the forces required for actuation and bottom out differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that both switches can still provide comparable results. Those accustomed to the lighter actuation force of the Lightning switch may find the Tourmaline Blue switch to be slightly heavier but still within an acceptable range. Similarly, individuals who enjoy the stronger push feel provided by the Tourmaline Blue switch may find the Lightning switch to be slightly lighter, yet still delivering a satisfactory typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Choosing a lighter switch like the Lightning can offer extended typing comfort, while a heavier switch like the Tourmaline Blue can provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning's 3 mm travel distance is on the shallower side, making it ideal for gamers who desire faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which may be preferred by individuals who desire a more hearty feel when pressing down on a key. Both travel distances have their merits, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. Those seeking a more responsive experience will find the shorter travel distance of the Lightning appealing, while those who value depth and a more pronounced feeling while typing may gravitate towards the Tourmaline Blue.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Lightning switch is known for its clacky sound profile. When you type on these switches, you will experience a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile. Typing on these switches immerses you in a satisfying typing experience with their rich and bassy sound. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, so the choice depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience. The switch has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light, but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with minimal force required to activate. They offer a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Once again, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Lightning and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switch provides a clacky sound profile and a subtle, polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches have their own merits and will appeal to different users based on their preferences. It is important to consider factors such as sound signature, typing feel, and personal typing style when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Lightning switch with its light bottom out force of 50 grams may be the ideal choice for you. Its clacky sound profile and slick type feel can provide the necessary edge for those moments when milliseconds matter.
On the other hand, if you value a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be the better option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.
When it comes to sound, the Lightning switch produces a clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile. Consider your personal preference for sound characteristics when making your decision.
In terms of feel, the Lightning switch has a subtle and polished typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing feel. Think about whether you prefer a smooth and refined keystroke or a more gentle and low-impact typing experience.
Ultimately, you should choose the switch that aligns with your specific preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or seek a satisfying and immersive typing experience, both the KTT Lightning and Everglide Tourmaline Blue have their unique strengths. Take your time to consider the factors that matter most to you and make an informed decision to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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