Outemu Ocean vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Outemu Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Ocean is a tactile switch known for its unique design and feel, while the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch loved for its deep and thocky sound profile. The Ocean offers satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue provides a smooth and consistent feel due to its linear design, making it popular among users who prioritize a quiet and seamless typing experience. While the Ocean is categorized as tactile, the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as buttery, easy to press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own advantages and reasons why you might choose them. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The Outemu Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ocean uses nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Ocean provides a different sound and feel compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue. The nylon housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound associated with this material. These differences in bottom housing material affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch, providing users with unique options based on their preferences.
In conclusion, the difference in housing materials between the Outemu Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides users with distinct typing experiences. The Ocean's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a more dynamic sound profile with deeper tones, while the Tourmaline Blue's consistent use of polycarbonate ensures a sharp and clear sound throughout. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to customize their typing experience accordingly. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to their unique sound signatures and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue is heavier at 67 grams whereas the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Ocean is lighter in actuation force but does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ocean, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue due to its heavier force requirements for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences, so the choice between them will depend on the user's personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that they both provide a similar tactile feedback and actuation point for users. Both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of keypress depth, making them suitable for those who prefer a standard travel distance. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is equal, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and performance.
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 Ocean 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is known for its unique sound profile, which may vary depending on the user's setup with different factors like the keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound that provides a satisfying typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue switch has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. Keep in mind that the actual sound of the switches can also be influenced by external factors.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specific description available. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is known for its buttery and easy-to-press feel. This means that typing on the Tourmaline Blue switches provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with minimal force required to activate the keys. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, making extended typing sessions comfortable and reducing finger fatigue.
Overall, while the sound qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unspecified, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile and buttery, easy-to-press feel. Both switches have their unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them would depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a balanced sound and a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, and with proper customization, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch may be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to consider these factors when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.