KTT Semi Mute vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two notable options that cater to different preferences. The KTT Semi Mute, despite its name, operates completely silently, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a noise-free environment during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. They feature a lengthened single-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Additionally, their standard spring weight strikes a balance, making them enjoyable and accessible for 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 typing preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Semi Mute Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housing materials. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing illumination effect. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal from the top and bottom housings of both the Semi Mute and the Tourmaline Blue switches.

However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be distributed accordingly. Pressing down on the switch will primarily reflect the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound experienced when releasing a key will be influenced by the properties of the top housing. This distinction highlights the significance of housing materials in different aspects of switch performance, ensuring a diverse and enhanced user experience.

Overall, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offers similar advantages. These include a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher-pitch, and crispness, as well as the compatibility with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. However, it is worth considering the impact of the top and bottom housings individually, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound during key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Semi Mute has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. This means that the Semi Mute requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force, which might appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Semi Mute has a slightly lower force of 58 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. This indicates that when fully pressed, the Tourmaline Blue provides a slightly firmer resistance compared to the Semi Mute. This can be beneficial for individuals who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a sense of stability while typing.

In terms of weight, it is important to note that both switches fall under the medium weight category. However, considering the actuation force and bottom out force, the Semi Mute can be considered as the lighter option between the two, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier option.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch and smoother typing experience might find satisfaction with the KTT Semi Mute, while individuals who prefer a stronger push and increased tactile feedback may lean towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Both options have their own advantages and provide a medium-level typing experience, so regardless of the choice made, users can expect similar overall results.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Whether you choose the KTT Semi Mute or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the physical sensation of pressing down on the keyboard keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch is known for producing a muted sound profile. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is also described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it falls in the middle ground, neither too loud nor too quiet. Both switches offer a sound profile that is suitable for most users and can be enjoyed in various environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is known for providing a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of these switches means they offer a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue switch also offers a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. In addition, it is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant feel, making typing enjoyable for a wide range of users.

In conclusion, the KTT Semi Mute and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Semi Mute switch is best known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. It offers a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for most users. It also provides a buttery and easy-to-press feel, making typing responsive and comfortable. Both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences and can be tailored to individual preferences and needs. Whether you value a noise-free environment or seek a deep and thocky sound, both switches can deliver satisfying results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. They offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. The Semi Mute switches provide a buttery and mild typing experience, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation.

On the other hand, if you are seeking a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be the right fit. These switches feature a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. With their moderate actuation force requirement and neutral sound profile, they are suitable for a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blues offer a buttery and mild typing experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Additionally, their easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches comes down to your personal preferences. Consider factors such as noise level, typing feel, and sound profile to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Whether you prioritize a noise-free environment or a deep and satisfying sound, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more