Outemu Silent White vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Silent White is known for its silent operation and linear feel, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel provided by a lengthened single-stage spring. While the Silent White falls under the category of a linear switch, the Tourmaline Blue is characterized as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own appeal depending on the user's preference. 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 Silent White Linear

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 Silent White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. However, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile than the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.

In terms of feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent White switch provides a different tactile sensation compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the bottom housing material, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbent response. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, impacts the sound when releasing a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound upon key release.

While the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches may differ in their bottom housing, the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing can result in a comparable sound profile. Both switches feature a top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound, making them suitable for users who appreciate a high-pitched typing experience. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housing ultimately depends on the desired sound and feel preference of the user, with nylon offering a deeper sound profile compared to the crisper response of polycarbonate.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force required for typing. The Silent White switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience but still want some resistance. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and a firmer typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience, with lighter preferences leaning towards the Silent White and heavier preferences towards the Tourmaline Blue for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch measures at 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Silent White provides a shorter distance for a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying keypress experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Silent White being ideal for swift actions and the Tourmaline Blue catering to users who crave a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is important to note that the Silent White switch does not have a specific reputation for sound, while the Tourmaline Blue is known for its deep and thocky sound profile. The Tourmaline Blue's sound is described as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and moderate sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. However, it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Silent White does not have a specific description for its tactile feel, while the Tourmaline Blue is characterized as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The easy-to-press nature of the Tourmaline Blue switch reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a comfortable typing experience. The mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users, standing in a safe middle-ground zone for sound and feel.

In conclusion, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has distinct characteristics in both sound and feel compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch. The Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among users seeking a satisfying typing experience. While the Silent White may not have specific standout features in sound or feel, users can expect a similar experience in neutrality and accessibility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch that provides a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to see which one suits your typing style and needs best.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more