Bsun Olive vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive 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 BSUN Olive and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Olive, known for its all-POM housings and deep, resonant sound, is a tactile switch that provides pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. The Tourmaline Blue offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke and strikes a balance with its standard spring weight. While the Olive is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Tourmaline Blue is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. When deciding between these two switches, consider whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with the Olive or a smooth and buttery feel with the Tourmaline Blue. 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
65g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Olive and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature unique housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Olive's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the differences in stiffness and material properties of POM and polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Tourmaline Blue.
While the housing materials for the top of the Bsun Olive and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are different, the effects they have on the switch's sound profile are readily apparent. The POM top housing of the Olive creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the ability of polycarbonate to allow for translucency adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the Tourmaline Blue switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting options.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Olive and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue play a significant role in shaping their respective sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Olive, along with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue, contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed. Additionally, the top housing material of each switch influences the sound produced when a key is released, further highlighting the impact that housing materials can have on the overall feel and performance of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Olive at 65 grams and the Tourmaline Blue at 67 grams. This means that while the Olive may offer a lighter initial press, both switches require a similar amount of force to fully press down. This makes them both suitable for users who prefer a medium-heavy feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Olive's 3.4 mm travel distance allows for a quicker and more responsive typing experience, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial key press depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and typing experiences due to their varying travel distances, so selecting between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 BSUN Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant, deep sound profile, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience. Despite their differences in sound, both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience that adds to the overall typing enjoyment. The choice of board and keycaps can also impact the sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Olive switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. The pronounced tactile bump and crisp bottom-out result in a tactile sensation that is satisfying and distinct. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. The bouncy feel and moderate actuation force make them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of users. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Olive switch provides a deep, resonant sound and a sharp tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a thocky sound profile and a buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a deep sound, the Olive switch may be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bouncy feel and smooth keystrokes, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be the ideal option for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile switch with pronounced feedback, a sharp bottom-out, and a resonant, deep sound, then the Bsun Olive switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bouncy feel, a balanced spring weight, and a thocky sound profile, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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