TTC Neptune vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a bouncy feel with each keystroke thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Neptune is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky', the Tourmaline Blue is described as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences 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
41g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for implementing RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing as well. Despite using the same material for the top housing, the unique design and construction of each switch contribute to slight variations in sound and feel when typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Neptune and Tourmaline Blue switches differ in material, with the Neptune featuring a POM bottom housing while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate. While both materials offer stiffness and clarity to the sound profile, POM tends to create a deeper and more muted sound, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the material used in this part of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the TTC Neptune and Everglide Tourmaline Blue plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the contrasting POM and polycarbonate bottom housings bring unique characteristics to the switches. Whether the sound is deeper and more muted with POM or sharper and clearer with polycarbonate, these differences can impact how a user perceives and interacts with the switches during typing. By understanding the nuances of housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, some notable differences arise. The Neptune has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In this case, the Neptune is the lighter option, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier one. Users seeking similar results in terms of force requirements would find both switches to be suitable choices for their preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have similar travel distances, with only a 0.2 mm difference between them. The Neptune is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue, which could result in a faster response time for gamers who prefer quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypresses. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted typing experience, providing a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Neptune delivering a more subdued and thocky sound while the Tourmaline Blue provides a more neutral and accessible sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch is praised for its buttery and frictionless typing experience, offering a unique blend of smoothness and resistance reminiscent of chewy delights. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch also offers a buttery feel, along with an easy-to-press sensation that requires minimal force to activate. Both switches provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience, with the Neptune leaning towards a more textured pleasure while the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a bouncy feel with each keystroke.
Overall, while the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer slightly different sound and feel qualities, they both provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more muted and textured feel with a low-pitched sound like the Neptune, or a neutral and bouncy feel with a thocky sound like the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a high level of performance and comfort from either switch.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light, smooth, and almost frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile, the TTC Neptune may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider factors like actuation force, sound profile, and feel when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable and comfortable.
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