Outemu Lotus vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch. The Lotus is best known for its unique characteristics, while the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Lotus is categorized as a smooth switch, offering a different typing experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue, which is categorized as buttery, easy to press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their strengths and are suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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 Lotus Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, as the stiffer plastic leads to a clearer and more resonant profile. The aesthetic difference is also notable, with the Lotus showcasing a traditional opaque housing, while the Tourmaline Blue's translucent polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Lotus and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the Lotus's nylon housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound when typing, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a crisper and sharper tone. The impact of the housing material is also split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the nylon housing of the Lotus offering a softer typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue.

In terms of construction, the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and Everglide Tourmaline Blue contribute to their distinct characteristics. The use of nylon in the Lotus results in a more muted and rounder sound profile, prioritizing a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing delivers a crisper and more resonant sound, catering to those who prefer a sharper typing feel. While both switches exhibit different sound profiles and tactile feedback, the choice between the Lotus and Tourmaline Blue ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. Whether one prefers the softer, deeper tones of the nylon housing or the sharper, clearer sound of the polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to explore.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see a clear difference in weight. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's heavier 59 grams. Similarly, the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's heavier 67 grams. This means that the Lotus switch will provide a lighter and easier typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch will offer a more substantial and forceful typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences in typing experiences, with the Lotus being lighter and the Tourmaline Blue being heavier.

Travel distance

The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it popular among gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper keystroke experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Lotus offering a faster response and the Tourmaline Blue providing a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance in their switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lotus switch does not have a specific reputation or characteristic associated with it, making it difficult to assess how it compares to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch, which is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. The Tourmaline Blue switch offers a satisfying typing experience with its unique sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

Turning to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Lotus does not have a defined feel associated with it. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a smooth, effortless keystroke experience with minimal resistance, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users, striking a balance between various typing preferences.

In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Lotus switch lacks specific descriptions in these aspects, the Tourmaline Blue switch is praised for its deep sound and buttery feel. If you prefer a switch with a moderate sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue may be the ideal choice for your typing needs. Remember to consider other factors such as your keyboard setup and personal preferences to ensure an optimal typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Lotus linear switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery, easy-to-press feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile when choosing between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more