Dareu Master vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Master and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Master switch from Dareu is a linear switch that provides a medium weight feel with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue from Everglide is also a linear switch but offers a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Master features POM for both the top and bottom, which creates a deeper, more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials leads to a distinct auditory experience for each switch, with the Master offering a more subdued sound and the Tourmaline Blue providing a more crisp and resonant sound.
While the top housings of the Dareu Master and Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in material, with the Master using POM and the Tourmaline Blue using polycarbonate, the bottom housings of both switches share the same material. Both switches feature a bottom housing made of POM, which contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that is relatively more muted and deeper. This shared material between the bottom housings of the two switches may result in a similar bottom-out sound and feel when typing on either switch, despite the differences in their top housings.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. The use of POM in the Master results in a more subdued and deep sound, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Tourmaline Blue create a sharper and more crisp sound. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Master providing a more traditional and muted sound, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more modern and crisp typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue switch also requires a heavier force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force for the Master switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods, the Master switch may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel and a stronger push for typing, the Tourmaline Blue switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out force may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the Master switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue is more traditional, offering a deeper press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Dareu Master switch is slightly shorter, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience they are seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound signature, providing users with a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. While the Master switch leans towards a more crisp and bright sound, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more moderate and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek key travel. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing comfort. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, but the Tourmaline Blue switch leans towards a more uniform and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, while the Dareu Master linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, they both provide users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the classic clacky sound and polished feel of the Master switch or the deep thocky sound and buttery feel of the Tourmaline Blue switch. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and cater to a wide range of users.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium weight linear switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing preferences and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing style.
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