Outemu Purple vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and Everglide Tourmaline Blue provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Purple switch is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump when actuated, providing feedback to let you know the key has been pressed. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is a linear switch known for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel due to the lengthened single-stage spring. The Tourmaline Blues are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', striking a balance with their standard spring weight. While the Purple switch is ideal for those who prefer tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue switch appeals to users who enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, creating a resonant sound that is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differs in that it also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Purple opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear housings due to the use of polycarbonate material. This translucency allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards they are used in. While the top housing primarily impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the choice of housing material for each component can greatly influence the overall typing experience provided by these switches.
Overall, the Outemu Purple and Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal. However, the difference in bottom housing material - nylon for the Purple and polycarbonate for the Tourmaline Blue - will lead to variations in the typing experience, with the Purple offering a deeper sound profile and the Tourmaline Blue providing a crisper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with an actuation force of 59 grams, making the Purple easier to activate. However, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides more resistance when fully pressed compared to the Purple's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Purple for longer typing sessions, while users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Everglide Tourmaline Blue for its heavier bottom out force. In general, a lighter actuation force is ideal for extended periods of use, while a heavier bottom out force can provide a more satisfying typing feedback for some users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they both offer the same typing experience in this aspect. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of travel for users, allowing for a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for providing a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound, which can create a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple switch's tactile feedback and overall typing experience are not explicitly described. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is characterized as having a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance and a low-impact typing feel, ultimately enhancing the typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide unique experiences for users. The Purple switch may be more versatile in terms of sound, while the Tourmaline Blue switch excels in providing a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
Overall, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a tactile feel with no bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a deep thocky sound profile, and a buttery, easy-to-press feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue could be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer different characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
