Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type A, both linear switches with distinct characteristics. The Tourmaline Blue is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with its bouncy feel thanks to a lengthened single-stage spring. With a standard spring weight, it appeals to a wide range of users and is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," stands out for its innovative design that reimagines travel distances and incorporates factory lubing techniques for a smooth typing experience. Positioned as a medium-weight switch, the Type A produces a sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. Each switch has its unique strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Gateron Type A Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type A both utilize different housing materials in their construction. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is stiffer, leading to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue also uses polycarbonate, which carries the same qualities as the top housing. This leads to a consistent sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile throughout the switch. Meanwhile, the Gateron Type A incorporates a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. The differing materials in the bottom housing of these switches allow for a unique sound experience when pressing down on the keys.

Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type A play a significant role in the sound produced by the switches. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Tourmaline Blue provides a consistent and sharp sound throughout due to using polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Type A offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to nylon in both top and bottom housings. Regardless of the differences, both switches excel in providing a unique typing experience based on their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Type A has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. The Tourmaline Blue offers a more substantial push feel, suitable for those who prefer a stronger typing experience, while the Type A is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches provide similar results in terms of responsiveness, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for force feedback during typing or gaming.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type A linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their travel distance being the same. Overall, whether you choose the Everglide Tourmaline Blue or the Gateron Type A linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch presents a sound signature that leans towards the deeper side of the sound spectrum, offering a subdued sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, making them suitable for various intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or in the workplace. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches are easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing typing efficiency and comfort while reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switches place them in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Type A linear switch is unknown.

Overall, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep thocky sound and a buttery feel with its bouncy keystrokes, the Gateron Type A switch leans towards a subdued sound profile and a medium-weight typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, ensuring a pleasant and immersive typing experience for a wide range of users.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum, the Gateron Type A could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, but the Type A also provides a more subdued sound experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more