KTT Peach vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Peach and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Both of these switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. However, they differ in certain characteristics that may influence your decision. The Peach is best known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and low-pitched sound profile. It falls under the 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild' categories. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. It is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. While these general descriptions give you an idea of what to expect, 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Peach and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light dispersion. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the bottom housings differ between the two switches. The Peach utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate. This choice contributes to the overall sharper and more resonant sound profile. As the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the use of different materials in this area may result in a discernible difference between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the KTT Peach and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share the same material and therefore offer similar sound and aesthetics, their bottom housings diverge. The Peach's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Therefore, depending on the desired sound experience, users may prefer one over the other based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Peach linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we see distinct differences in weight and typing experience. The Peach has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This heavier weight provides a more substantial typing experience, giving users a stronger push feel. Those who prefer a firmer keystroke and enjoy a more tactile typing feedback would gravitate towards the Tourmaline Blue switch. Although their actuation and bottom out forces differ, both switches offer satisfying results to their respective users, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Peach linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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, both the KTT Peach and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. The Peach switches have a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound and actuation force requirement suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, although with different characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Peach switches offer a mild typing experience. They provide a more gentle keystroke compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users. As for the Tourmaline Blue switches, they are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches deliver a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switches are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to sound, feel is also a subjective aspect, and preferences may vary depending on the user.
Based on the available information, both the KTT Peach and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide deep and thocky sound profiles, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Peach switches are low-pitched and have a mild feel, the Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile, are buttery, easy-to-press, and also offer a mild typing experience. These qualities make both switches enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a smoother typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switches would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a comfortable typing feel. The Peach switches feature multiple prized characteristics of a linear switch, resulting in a syrupy smooth typing experience. They also offer a low-pitched sound profile, which is bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, if you desire a bouncy feel with each keystroke and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches would be a suitable option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, they strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blues offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation, described as "buttery," and have a mild typing experience similar to the Peach switches. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Peach and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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