Kailh Plum vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out among the rest are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch. The Plum is best known for its hefty build and subtle tactile feedback. Unlike many other tactile switches that prioritize a noticeable tactile bump, the Plum strikes a balance between weightiness and tactility. Additionally, its sound profile is neutral and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue also offers a standard spring weight, making it accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similar characteristics, as both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both the Plum and the Tourmaline Blue.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in material. The Plum employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer plastic nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and thus produce a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition.
As a result of these varying housing materials, the sound and feel of the Plum and the Tourmaline Blue switches differ when they are pressed down. The qualities of the bottom housing, influenced by the nylon used in the Plum and the polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue, play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the impact on sound when releasing a key is primarily determined by the characteristics of the top housing, which is polycarbonate in both switches.
In summary, while the Kailh Plum and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similar sound profiles due to their utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing, the material used in their bottom housing sets them apart. The Plum's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper, fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. These differences in housing materials result in contrasting experiences when pressing and releasing keys on the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are several notable differences. In terms of weight, the Plum switch has an unavailable actuation force, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a lower actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue switch requires less force to trigger a keypress, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience.
In contrast, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Plum switch weighing in at 70 grams and the Tourmaline Blue switch at 67 grams. This means that both switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, offering a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering weight preferences, those who value lighter switches may opt for the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter weight allows for comfortable and extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push may find the Kailh Plum tactile switch appealing, as its actuation and bottom out forces are slightly heavier.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch differ slightly, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. This ensures that typing on either switch would result in a similar substantial experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances. The Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Plum.
In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you.
On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a greater sense of depth, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with its longer travel distance could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. So, while both switches offer a neutral sound, the overall sound experience may vary depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Plum tactile switch is described as mild and stepped. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Plum switch doesn't feature a huge tactile bump, but it still provides some level of tactility and weightiness. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. Both switches provide a pleasant and approachable typing feel, but the Tourmaline Blue switch has a slightly different feel due to its linear nature.
Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Plum switch has a unique feel with its moderate tactility and weightiness, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a smoother and effortless typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral profile, but the final sound experience may vary depending on the user's setup. Whether you prefer a more tactile experience or a buttery and easy-to-press feel, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a unique tactile experience without a heavy tactile bump, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and offer a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a better fit. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and a standard spring weight, these switches strike a balance that makes them accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer an easy-to-press, buttery feel that enhances the typing experience by providing a smooth and low-impact sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize uniqueness in tactile feel or a satisfying thocky sound profile.
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