Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique features and benefits for different types of users. The dustproof brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its durability and reliability, making it a great option for those who prioritize longevity in their keyboards. On the other hand, the tourmaline blue is a linear switch that stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy a more immersive feel while typing. The tourmaline blue also features a lengthened single-stage spring, giving it a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While the dustproof brown falls under the category of durable switches, the tourmaline blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. 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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dustproof Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue complements its polycarbonate top housing with a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
The choice of housing materials for the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue impacts not only the sound profile but also the overall typing experience. With the Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing, the typing experience is characterized by a deep and resonant sound, creating a tactile response that is satisfying for users seeking a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound, providing a different tactile feel that may appeal to users looking for a more precise typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housing will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
While both switches offer similar qualities in their top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing material allows for a unique typing experience with each switch. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials impacts how the switches sound and feel during use. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Dustproof Brown requires 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Tourmaline Blue needs 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering users a substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dustproof Brown more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while users who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel for the individual user.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when typing on either of these switches, you can expect a similar tactile feedback and keypress experience. The travel distance of 4mm on both switches allows for a comfortable typing experience without requiring too much force to actuate the key. Therefore, whether you choose the Dustproof Brown or the Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a moderate travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Dustproof Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience that immerses users in the act of typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch's sound qualities are not specified. Sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. These qualities suggest a smooth, effortless, and comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Dustproof Brown switch is not specified. Overall, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a combination of smoothness, ease of pressing, and mild characteristics, the specific qualities of the Dustproof Brown switch remain unknown. However, if the Dustproof Brown switch is similar to other tactile switches, users may expect a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is known for its reliable performance without any specific standout features, the Dustproof Brown may be the way to go. However, if you are seeking a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a deep and thocky sound profile, and a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience, then the Tourmaline Blue is the switch for you. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what characteristics are most important to you when making your decision.
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