Kailh Sage vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Kailh Sage and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Sage switches are known for offering a distinct clicky typing experience, with a refreshing sharpness to the click. They have a heavier weight compared to other switches, giving a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blues offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and 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 switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.25 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This means that when using either switch, you can expect a similar sound experience and visual aesthetic.

However, the bottom housings differ between the two switches. The Sage utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Sage produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced.

When using a switch with different top and bottom housings like the Sage or the Tourmaline Blue, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be apparent in different aspects of typing. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. So, depending on your typing style and preferences, you may choose a switch that prioritizes the qualities of either the top or bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Sage is unavailable, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Sage requiring 70 grams and the Tourmaline Blue requiring 67 grams. This similarity suggests that despite the difference in actuation force, users can expect a similar typing experience when fully pressing down on these switches.

Considerations of weight come into play when deciding on a switch. Some prefer lighter switches, such as the Tourmaline Blue, as it enables longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces. While the actuation force of the Sage is unknown, its bottom out force of 70 grams indicates it provides a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Tourmaline Blue falls within the more common range of 4.0 mm, while the Sage is slightly shorter. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Sage a suitable option for them. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more immersive typing experience. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Both switches offer unique benefits, allowing users to select the option that aligns with their preferred typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering a refreshingly sharp and heavy clickiness. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing the user in a satisfying typing experience. The Sage switch has a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Sage switch is invigorating and offers pronounced feedback, with a moderate to firm actuation force that provides a snappy and reactive feel. It has a sharp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with minimal force required to activate the keys. It enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. The Tourmaline Blue switch falls in the mild category, offering a more gentle typing experience that can be approachable to most users.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a distinct clicky sound with a heavy and sharp clickiness, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Sage switch is invigorating with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches offer enjoyable experiences, but they cater to different preferences. Depending on your desired sound and feel, you can choose the switch that suits your needs. However, it is important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also impact the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a distinct and heavy clicky typing experience, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a refreshingly sharp clickiness and a weight that adds to the overall typing sensation. 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 suitable option. With their standard spring weight, these switches strike a balance and are enjoyable for a wide range of users. If you want a switch with a moderate sound profile and actuation force, the Sage provides a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. When it comes to feel, the Sage provides an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel, with low-impact typing that reduces fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for clickiness, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more