Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type L mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they each have unique qualities to offer. The Tourmaline Blue is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with its bouncy feel and standard spring weight. On the other hand, the Type L stands out for being the lightest in its series, requiring only 45g to bottom out and offering a sound signature on the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. While the Tourmaline Blue is praised for its buttery and easy-to-press qualities, the Type L is known for its neutral and feathery feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Gateron Type L Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L comes with a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. While nylon may not provide the same level of clarity and sharpness as polycarbonate, it does absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type L feature materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue enhances the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch, creating a consistent typing experience. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Type L adds to the deep and full sound profile, offering a different tactile response compared to the Tourmaline Blue. This shows how the choice of bottom housing material can affect the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, impacting the overall typing experience for users.

Overall, the different housing materials used in the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type L offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for users. While the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Gateron Type L's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a switch, users can expect similar sound profiles and typing experiences across the board, with the qualities of the housing material evenly distributed throughout the switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.

Weight

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Type L linear switch, which has an actuation force of 38 grams, making the Tourmaline Blue heavier in this aspect. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue also has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Type L's 45 grams, indicating that the Tourmaline Blue requires more force for a full keystroke. This makes the Tourmaline Blue switch more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, while the Type L switch is lighter and may be preferred by those who value lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth typing experience with the same amount of travel distance, ensuring a similar feel and response when using either one. Whether typing on the Everglide Tourmaline Blue or the Gateron Type L, users can expect a familiar and comfortable typing experience with the same travel distance provided by both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type L switches both fall under the neutral category, meaning they offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various settings and users. However, the Tourmaline Blue leans towards a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a more immersive typing experience, while the Type L has a more subdued sound signature that veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound may come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. These switches are described as providing a smooth and fluid keystroke, gentle resistance during key presses, and a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L switch is noted for its feathery and easy-to-press feel, offering an exceptionally light key press that reduces finger fatigue and makes typing comfortable for extended sessions. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel, catering to different preferences in terms of typing effort and feedback.

Overall, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Type L switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. While both switches fall under the neutral category in terms of sound, the Tourmaline Blue leans towards a deeper and thocky sound profile, while the Type L provides a more subdued sound signature. In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press experience, while the Type L is noted for its feathery and light key press. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, as well as the overall keyboard setup and usage.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, your choice may depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a balanced spring weight for a satisfying typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a sound signature that leans towards the deep end of the acoustic spectrum, the Gateron Type L might be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and needs to select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more