Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4 are two unique mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics and appeal. The Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch, known for its deep and thocky sound profile that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, and its standard spring weight strikes a balance, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing. It also provides an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, combining style with subtlety. Notably, these switches have different sound profiles, with the Tourmaline Blue being buttery and easy-to-press, while the U4 is muted, low-pitched, and sharp. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4 differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend produces a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.
Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue enhances its sound profile, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switch is bottomed-out. It also adds to the switch's overall clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the U4 incorporates Gazzew's proprietary blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a soft and deep sound when the switch is bottomed-out. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Despite their differences, both switches exhibit qualities of their respective housing materials. The Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a sharp and clear sound profile in both the top and bottom housing, creating a distinct typing experience. Likewise, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend housing offers a rich and deep sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Although the specific characteristics may differ, both switches deliver unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the U4 requires a lighter touch with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the U4.
In terms of bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue is heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the U4 has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that when typing with the Tourmaline Blue, one would feel a more substantial resistance when fully pressing down the keys compared to the U4.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming might opt for the U4 with its lower actuation force. This allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes with less strain on the fingers. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue with its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In conclusion, although both switches fall under the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier in both aspects compared to the U4. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch should consider the U4, while those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience may find the Tourmaline Blue to be a better fit.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can see that the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being on the longer side and the U4 on the shorter side. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the U4 with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is best known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its whisper-quiet sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It also has a low-pitched tone, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with its seamless and effortless sensation. The light actuation force required makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch provides a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Each keypress is distinct and offers a crisp tactile feel.
Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switch and the Gazzew U4 switch offer different subjective qualities. The Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile, while the U4 offers a whisper-quiet sound. In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a buttery and easy-to-press experience, while the U4 provides a sharp tactile feel. It's important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. However, both switches offer enjoyable and accessible typing experiences, catering to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep and thocky sound profile, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its bouncy feel and enjoyable typing experience, it can provide a satisfying experience for a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the way to go. Its plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, coupled with a whisper-quiet sound profile, makes it an ideal option for those who want a tactile typing experience without the clackiness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a neutral sound profile and a buttery typing experience or a muted sound profile and a sharp tactile bump, both switches have their own unique qualities to enhance your typing enjoyment.
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