Outemu Red vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who prefer a straightforward feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a unique deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Red is categorized as a linear switch, the Tourmaline Blue falls under soft, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral switches. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users, so it ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Both the Outemu Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it a popular choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Despite both switches having the same material for the top housing, the overall feel and sound may vary due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Red switches. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing's characteristics by enhancing the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to variations in the overall typing experience and sound between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a keyboard. While both the Outemu Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct typing experiences. The Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharper, crisper sound profile. Understanding these differences allows keyboard enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that the Red is lighter in both categories. The Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Red is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, making it a great choice for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Tourmaline Blue is considered medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they both offer a consistent and predictable typing experience. Users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This makes them both suitable choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance in their switches, resulting in quicker response times and a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Outemu Red or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a similar travel distance and overall 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 Red 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 Red switch is often described as having a neutral profile, meaning it doesn't have any particularly standout characteristics in terms of sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch doesn't have any specific descriptors available, so its typing experience may be more straightforward and standard. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is often described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild in feel. This implies that users can expect a smooth, effortless, and gentle typing experience with these switches, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The light actuation force also reduces finger fatigue, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Red switch may provide a more standard typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch stands out for its deep sound profile and buttery, easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for. However, both switches are linear in design, so users can expect a similar smooth keystroke without tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a straightforward typing experience, the Outemu Red linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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