Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for typists. The Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch, known for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, this switch provides a bouncy feel with every keystroke. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that combines thockiness with sharp tactility. It produces a bassy 'thock' sound profile while offering assertive tactile feedback, ensuring both auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', while the U4T is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp'. Both switches have their unique advantages, and understanding these general differences will help you make an informed decision. 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

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4T differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom. The Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate housing in the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the U4T's Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile owing to its softness. While the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing is particularly useful for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the U4T's Gazzew blend adds a unique acoustic quality to the switch.

Moreover, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in the typing experience. The bottom housing determines the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, and here, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing's stiffness contributes to a more distinct impact and tactile feedback. In contrast, the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing would provide a softer and more gentle bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing in the Tourmaline Blue enhances the sound when the key is released, maintaining its crisp and clear qualities. Meanwhile, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing contributes to a deep and resonating sound when the key is released.

Despite their differences, both switches promise satisfying typing experiences with distinct characteristics. The Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the U4T's Gazzew blend provides a rich and deep sound profile. Although the specific features may vary, both switches prioritize delivering an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. So, while the materials used in their housings differ, they ultimately aim to provide similar results in terms of typing satisfaction and sound quality.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a key role. The Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel, while the U4T's actuation force is unknown. However, the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the U4T's 62 grams, which is considered medium.

Considering weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch's slightly heavier bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. This increased resistance can provide a satisfying push feel for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4T's lighter bottom out force could be more preferable for users who value extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter force required to fully press the U4T switch allows for longer periods of comfortable typing without significant strain or fatigue.

Although specifics regarding the U4T's actuation force are unavailable, it's worth noting that the Tourmaline Blue's actuation force of 59 grams falls within the medium range. Therefore, if the U4T's actuation force is similar or falls within a similar range, both switches would provide comparable results in terms of sensitivity and responsiveness when initiating keystrokes.

In conclusion, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a medium actuation force and a lighter bottom out force. Understanding the desired typing experience and personal preferences towards a lighter or heavier push feel will guide individuals in selecting the switch that aligns with their needs.

Travel distance

Both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel, resulting in similar tactile feedback. The travel distance of both switches is not mentioned to be longer or shorter than the other, suggesting that they are equal in this aspect. Whether you choose the Tourmaline Blue or the U4T, you can expect a consistent travel distance and feel when typing on your keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. It produces a bassy 'thock' sound profile and provides an assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke, ensuring both auditory and tactile satisfaction.

In terms of sound, the Tourmaline Blue can be considered a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile. It offers a deep and satisfying sound without being too overpowering. On the other hand, the U4T is known for its bassy sound profile which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, the U4T is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound similar to a soft knock or a deep thud.

When it comes to the feel, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it is considered easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue can be categorized as a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the U4T is known for its sharp tactile feedback. Its strong and crisp tactile bump can be felt distinctly with each keypress, providing a high feedback intensity.

In conclusion, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The Tourmaline Blue provides a thocky and bouncy typing experience with a balanced sound profile and a smooth, easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, the U4T offers a bassy thock sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. Depending on the preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy feel and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers an enjoyable and accessible typing experience for a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prefer switches that provide both a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a crisp tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be the perfect fit. With its medium bottom out force and sharp tactile bump, it delivers auditory and tactile satisfaction with each key press. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Whether you value a deep and satisfying sound or a strong tactile feedback, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your overall typing experience. So, consider your preferences and needs, and choose the switch that aligns with what you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more