Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

Introducing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that is best known for its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing the user in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, striking a balance with its standard spring weight. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that marries the best of both worlds. It offers a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Each press provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While the Tourmaline Blue is buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, the U4Tx is bassy, muted, and sharp. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them desirable options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The main difference in the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx lies in the composition of their top and bottom housings. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound when the key is released. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend produces a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. Pressing down on the U4Tx switch will offer a different feel and sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue uses polycarbonate, similar to its top housing. As a result, the switch maintains its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile throughout the keypress. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, creating a consistent and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. While the specific characteristics of this blend are not explicitly described, it can be inferred that the softness of the plastic likely influences the feel and sound when pressing down on the switch. This softness could potentially offer a more cushioned and muted bottom-out experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue.

In summary, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles and typing experiences. The Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, while the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings deliver a rich and deep sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to clear and resonant sound, while the softness of the Gazzew blend might provide a more cushioned experience. Both switches showcase their respective housing materials' qualities, ensuring a unique typing experience tailored to the user's preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Tourmaline Blue is the lighter option with an actuation force of 59 grams, while the U4Tx's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Tourmaline Blue at 67 grams and the U4Tx at 65 grams.

Considering weight, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. This lighter actuation force allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gazzew U4Tx, or any switch with a heavier force.

While the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, the medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provides a similar result to the Tourmaline Blue. This means that individuals looking for a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out force can expect comparable results.

Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter feel may find the Everglide Tourmaline Blue to be their preferred choice, while individuals desiring a more forceful typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx or other switches with a heavier actuation force.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. The Tourmaline Blue falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a slightly shallower travel distance, which is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky profile that creates a satisfying typing experience. The sound is neutral, meaning it has a moderate volume and pitch that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced users in any setting. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a refined sound profile that marries the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. This combination creates a bassy sound with a lower frequency range, offering a rich and luxurious acoustic experience. Additionally, the U4Tx switches are muted, resulting in softer and quieter keystrokes that minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery and seamless typing experience. The keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and effortless, providing a uniform sensation with each press. These switches have an easy-to-press actuation force, requiring minimal effort to activate the keys. This enhances the overall typing experience by reducing finger fatigue, making it comfortable and enjoyable for extended periods of typing. The Tourmaline Blue switches can be considered mild, as they offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a sharp tactile feel with a high feedback intensity. With every keypress, you can feel a strong and crisp tactile bump, allowing for distinct and precise typing. The U4Tx switches offer a tactile experience that stands out and provides a satisfying feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel.

Considering all the available information, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, while the U4Tx switches offer a refined sound profile with a bassy and muted sound, coupled with a sharp and distinct tactile feel. Both switches aim to provide a luxurious typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences such as desired sound, typing feel, and the other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel and moderate actuation force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers an enjoyable and accessible typing experience, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.

On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile, along with a sharp tactile bump and a muted, bassy sound during key presses, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be a perfect fit. It provides a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a deep and thocky sound, along with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. However, if you prefer a cleaner sound with a sharp tactile bump, the U4Tx is the better option.

In the end, both switches offer unique qualities and exceptional typing experiences. Whether you choose the Tourmaline Blue or the U4Tx, you can be confident that you'll have a top-notch mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing pleasure.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more