Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, offers a pronounced bump that caters to those who appreciate a clear physical response while typing. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch is perfect for users seeking tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches present a distinctive linear experience that delivers a deep, thocky sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Featuring a single-stage spring that has been lengthened for a more bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blues ensure a smooth and enjoyable typing rhythm, making them accessible to a wide demographic of users. Each switch, therefore, offers unique benefits: the Cherry MX Purple excels in tactile feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue boasts an engaging sound and effortless actuation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
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
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer contrasting sound profiles primarily due to the materials used in their housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features nylon in both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound and contribute to a deeper, fuller auditory experience when using the keyboard. Typing on these switches produces a duller and rounder sound, making them appealing for users who prefer a quieter, more muted acoustic environment. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, is associated with a sharper and crisper sound profile. This results in a more resonant audio output, making the switches ideal for users who favor a prominent clicking or snapping sound during typing sessions.
When examining the impact of these materials on switch performance, it is essential to consider how the combination of top and bottom housings differentiates each switch's usability. The polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue provides a clear and vivid auditory feedback, especially on actuation and release, while its nylon counterpart in the MX Purple RGB offers a smoother tactile experience with less emphasis on the higher frequencies. Therefore, while both switches provide unique typing experiences, the MX Purple RGB leans toward a more subdued profile, focusing on a full-bodied sound, contrasting with the Tourmaline Blue's brighter, more pronounced acoustic effect.
Lastly, the aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate as a housing material enhances the RGB capabilities of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects that can be fully appreciated during use, making it a popular choice among gamers and users interested in customization. Conversely, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB's nylon materials diminish light transmission, users seeking a more understated look and sound may find this lack of brightness appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will heavily depend on personal preference, balancing the desire for sound profile, tactile feedback, and lighting aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force that could influence a user's typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, which is particularly beneficial for those who type for extended periods, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue requires a heftier actuation force of 59 grams and features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch that offers a more substantial tactile feedback. While the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unavailable, the higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Tourmaline Blue may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more deliberate typing experience. As a result, those who favor lighter switches may find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more comfortable, while those seeking a firmer resistance will likely gravitate toward the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users will experience comparable keypress feedback and depth when utilizing either switch, resulting in a consistent feel during typing or gaming activities. Since both switches require the same amount of force and travel distance to be actuated, individuals seeking a consistent experience will find both options equally suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a refined auditory profile, characterized by a balanced and relatively muted sound, creating a focused typing environment while still offering audible feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch showcases a deep and thocky sound that can create a more resonant typing experience, adding an engaging auditory element to the interaction. This means that while both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is more subdued and suitable for environments where quiet operation is desired, whereas the Tourmaline Blue produces a richer sound that enthusiasts often find more enjoyable and immersive.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile experience that features a short, medium-strength bump, providing a solid feedback during key presses without being overly aggressive, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a clear tactile cue. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are designed to deliver a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, which is complemented by an easy-to-press action that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blues ensure that they are accessible to a wide range of typists, making them an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced users alike.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ significantly in their sound profiles—one being more refined and the other deeper and more resonant—they each provide an enjoyable typing experience. The MX Purple RGB offers a distinct tactile bump, while the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a smooth and bouncy feel. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preference regarding sound and typing feel, as both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch should be guided by your preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as your intended use case. If you value a refined tactile experience with a short yet satisfying bump, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent option, especially if you tend to enjoy a slightly lighter switch that enhances your typing feedback without overwhelming sound. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a balance of tactile engagement while working or gaming, providing a distinct yet quiet action. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience with a rich, thocky sound that elevates the immersion of typing, then the Tourmaline Blue should be your go-to. Its medium-heavy actuation force combined with a buttery feel and a mild sound profile makes it ideal for users who spend long hours at the keyboard and seek comfort without sacrificing performance. In essence, your decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and subtlety (MX Purple RGB) or a deeper sound and a cushioned typing experience (Tourmaline Blue).
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