Outemu Brown vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump when actuated, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Brown switch is categorized as tactile, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy to press, mild, and neutral. Depending on your typing preference, you may find the tactile feedback of the Brown switch more appealing or the smooth linear action of the Tourmaline Blue switch more to your liking. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Brown Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature, which enhances resonance. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of sharp, clear, and resonant sound characteristics associated with this material.

In terms of the sound and feel of the switches, the difference in bottom housing material between the Brown and the Tourmaline Blue will result in varying experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Brown will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a deeper and rounder sensation when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue will maintain the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material, offering a different tactile experience. Additionally, the top housing material in both switches will impact the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate again contributing to the overall crisp and resonant sound quality.

While the Outemu Brown and Everglide Tourmaline Blue share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences in bottom housing material lead to distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The choices of nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing of the Brown and Tourmaline Blue, respectively, contribute to the overall sound characteristics of each switch. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Brown's nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of pressure needed for typing. The Outemu Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brown requires 65 grams while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier both in actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Brown may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly lighter touch, while the Tourmaline Blue may be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Brown 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 with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Brown tactile switch or the Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feedback and keypress feel. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches is equal, making them suitable options for those who prefer a standard keypress feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is known for being fairly quiet and unobtrusive, providing a smooth typing experience without much audible feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating a more immersive and satisfying typing sound. The Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and typing environments, making it a versatile option for different preferences.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switch is often described as providing a tactile bump without being too pronounced, offering a balance between feedback and smoothness. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its buttery and easy-to-press feel, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal force required for actuation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a mild typing sensation, making it approachable and comfortable for most users, especially during extended typing sessions.

Overall, while the Outemu Brown and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both can provide a pleasant typing experience depending on individual preferences. The Brown switch may be preferred for those looking for a quieter and more subtle typing sound, while the Tourmaline Blue switch is ideal for users seeking a more immersive and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the decision ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force and sound profile, the Outemu Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired experience when making your decision between these two high-quality mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more