Outemu Tom vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as popular options. The Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, known for its precise feedback and satisfying tactile bump with each key press. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch, offering a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a delightful typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue's lengthened single-stage spring provides a bouncy feel, while its standard spring weight makes it accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences - the Tom for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, and the Tourmaline Blue for those who prefer 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

Outemu Tom Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Tom and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both share polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates well, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Tom uses a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharp and clear sound profile similar to its top housing.

In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue play a significant role in how the switches feel and sound. With the Tom's nylon bottom housing creating a dull and rounder sound on bottom-out, users can expect a softer typing sound compared to the crisper sound profile produced by the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The top housing material, being polycarbonate in both switches, ensures a consistent sharper and higher-pitched sound when releasing a key, making them both suitable for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience.

Overall, the choice between the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a consistent sharp sound profile, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Tom's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a unique typing experience, whereas the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a crisper sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a softer or sharper typing sound, each switch offers a distinct feel that caters to different preferences.

Weight

The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue is 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the bottom out force of the Tom is unknown. The Tom switch would provide a lighter typing experience, great for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Tourmaline Blue switch would offer a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the Tom. A 3.3mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. Both switches offer different typing experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Tom switch is known for its unique characteristics, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile. The Tourmaline Blue offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke due to its lengthened single-stage spring, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Tom switch is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.

When it comes to feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal force required to activate. The switches provide a low-impact typing feel that is comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is not provided, making it challenging to compare the two switches in terms of feel.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Tom and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have their unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two. If sound and feel are crucial factors in selecting a switch, the detailed descriptions of the Tourmaline Blue provide insight into its characteristics. However, if these qualities are less important or unknown for the Tom switch, experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycaps may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences more effectively. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages and can provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Tom tactile switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences. If you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None grams and are looking for a switch that is best known for None, then the Outemu Tom may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a bottom out force of 67 grams and are interested in a switch that is best known for providing a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a great option. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision rests on what type of typing experience you are looking for.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more