Outemu Silver vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two popular options to consider. The Outemu Silver is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is also a linear switch but stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Silver switch is categorized as linear, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, from the smoothness of the Silver to the immersive sound profile of the Tourmaline Blue. However, let's delve into specifics so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing effect. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition.

The Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with users likely to notice a difference in sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. While the top housing material primarily influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback of the switch.

In cases where the top and bottom housing materials vary within a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom, affecting different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, both aim to provide a unique sound profile and typing experience based on their specific material compositions.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silver, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, which provides a slightly firmer keystroke. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and suitability for different preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can result in similar typing experiences and overall feel when using keyboards equipped with these switches. Overall, both switches provide a consistent travel distance for users to enjoy while typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Silver switch is known for not having a specific sound profile associated with it, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Silver switch does not have a specific description, whereas the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation with minimal force required for activation.

Overall, while the Outemu Silver switch may lack specific descriptors for sound and feel, based on the available information, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch seems to provide a more immersive and satisfying typing experience with its deep sound profile and bouncy feel. However, both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various users and purposes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel desired for a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what type of typing experience you value the most.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more