KTT Mallo vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is best known for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a balanced choice for typists who prefer a gentle feedback without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight that appeals to a wide range of users. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, while the top housing of both switches is the same, the Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and clearer sound profile associated with this material.
The difference in bottom housing material between the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue leads to variations in sound and feel when typing on these switches. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. When pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more noticeable. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Overall, while the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share a polycarbonate top housing for similar sound characteristics, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct typing experiences. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the impact of housing material on sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound, emphasizing the significance of material choice in creating a specific typing experience. By understanding the role of top and bottom housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their switch selection to achieve their desired sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo is lighter in both aspects. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. Additionally, the actuation force of the Tourmaline Blue is 59 grams, indicating a slightly heavier push needed compared to the Mallo, which has an actuation force listed as None grams. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a moderate distance for keystrokes, providing a satisfying tactile or linear feel depending on the user's preference. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of which one you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, both the KTT Mallo and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral profile, making them suitable for various environments and users. The Mallo switches offer a slightly subdued sound, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches produce a thocky sound, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switches are described as feathery and mild, offering a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. They also feature a subtle tactility that enhances the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are buttery and easy-to-press, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal force required for activation. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is comfortable for extended use.
In conclusion, while the KTT Mallo and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ slightly in sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a balanced and versatile typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a more subdued and feathery typing feel with the Mallo switches or a buttery and easy-to-press sensation with the Tourmaline Blue switches, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a feathery and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery and easy-to-press keystroke with a deep thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments, so make sure to select the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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