Outemu Gold vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Gold and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Outemu Gold, categorized as a clicky switch, is designed to provide a tactile feedback with an audible click, making each keystroke noticeable—a feature many enthusiasts find rewarding for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that excels in delivering a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. Best known for its deep and "thocky" sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue offers a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring, allowing for a bouncy feel that many users appreciate. With its standard spring weight, it strikes a balance that makes it accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. While the Gold may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more fluid and quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Gold Clicky

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 Gold and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, one can note that both switches feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. This commonality leads to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper output. The properties of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, allow for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the auditory experience, particularly when the switch is illuminated with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate in the top housing supports not only sound clarity but also visual appeal, making both switches well-suited for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects in their keyboards.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The Outemu Gold utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's characteristic softness enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience that complements the sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue maintains polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, leading to a consistent sound profile across both the top and bottom. This choice reinforces the sharper sound characteristics, as both the top and bottom are rigid materials, potentially resulting in a more cohesive and echoic sound when typing.

Ultimately, the distinctions in bottom housing materials between the Outemu Gold and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will influence the typing experience and sound dynamics. The Gold's nylon bottom allows for a more varied acoustic profile, providing a rich depth to the lower frequencies, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom contributes to a more uniform and sharp output. Nonetheless, both configurations yield effective results depending on user preference—whether one favors the fuller sound produced by nylon or the crispness and clarity afforded by polycarbonate throughout the entire switch. Users can choose based on the qualities they desire, as the combination of top and bottom materials shapes the overall tactile and auditory experience of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the 59 grams of the Tourmaline Blue, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer feel while typing. Looking at the bottom out forces, the Outemu Gold's 60 grams is also lighter than the Tourmaline Blue's 67 grams. Therefore, the Outemu Gold is the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for users seeking comfort over longer durations, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who appreciate a firmer resistance during use.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of movement, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and actuation feel. Therefore, users can expect consistent performance in terms of key travel distance whether they choose the Outemu Gold or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, making either option a suitable choice based on personal preference for switch type rather than travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Outemu Gold clicky switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it becomes evident that the Gold lacks a specified sound profile, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is characterized by its deep and thocky sound, providing an immersive auditory experience. This neutral sound quality offers versatility, accommodating both beginners and seasoned typists in various environments, be it home or office. It's crucial to note that the overall sound produced can be influenced by factors such as the chosen keyboard case and keycap materials, which can further differentiate the experience between these two switches.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold does not have a defined tactile sensation, which leaves a gap in direct comparison to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Tourmaline Blue switches stand out with a buttery smoothness, promoting a seamless keystroke experience. Their lengthened single-stage spring creates a bouncy feel, enhancing the typing experience with an easy-to-press nature that requires minimal force—ideal for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, their moderate and mild characteristics offer a gentle and approachable typing experience that appeals to a wide audience, making it a versatile option for various users.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not provide specific qualities to directly compare with the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the latter shines with its engaging sound and tactile feel. The Tourmaline Blue presents an appealing acoustic profile along with a smooth, low-impact keystroke, making it a compelling choice for a diverse range of users. Those looking for a rich auditory and tactile experience would likely find the Everglide Tourmaline Blue to be a more rewarding option.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environments you plan to use your keyboard in. If you're looking for a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force and is well-suited for various tasks—whether they be casual typing or more intensive work—then the Outemu Gold may be the right choice for you. However, if you want a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and immerses you with its deep, "thocky" sound while also ensuring a bouncy and enjoyable typing experience, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is likely your best bet. Given its medium-heavy bottom-out force and buttery feel, the Tourmaline Blue can enhance your typing comfort during extended sessions while adding character to your keyboard. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your unique typing style and sound preferences; this will help you select the switch that best enhances your overall experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more