Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile that enhances the typing experience with a bouncy feel, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring and standard spring weight. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a smooth, easy-to-press key with a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a tactile switch, combines the rich thock of U4T bottoming out with the whisper-quiet action of U4 topping out, resulting in a refined sound profile along with a sharp tactile bump that many typists find luxurious. The U4Tx stands out for those who desire a more muted yet resonant feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on user preference for sound, feel, and typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer distinct characteristics that impact their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Tourmaline Blue features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness and excellent resonance properties. This results in a sound profile that is sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp. The use of polycarbonate, particularly in the top housing, also enhances its RGB compatibility due to its clarity, allowing light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend known as “boba plastic” for both housings, which is softer and contributes to a richer, deeper sound profile. The choice of material underscores the intention behind each switch’s design; while the Tourmaline Blue aims for clarity, the U4Tx RGB favors warmth in acoustic feedback.

When considering the effect of the different housing materials on sound output, it's important to note that the distinct characteristics of each switch create a different auditory experience. In the case of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both the top and bottom polycarbonate housings consistently produce a bright sound with a resonant quality, leading to an overall cohesive auditory 'snap' when keys are both pressed and released. This is particularly suitable for typists who appreciate a sharper keystroke feedback and clarity. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, with its boba plastic, provides a juxtaposed experience with a more subdued bottom-out sound that may feel softer and less sharp than its counterpart. This can be particularly appealing for users seeking a quieter typing experience, where the emphasis is on a smooth keystroke rather than distinct acoustic feedback.

Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB ultimately shape the user experience and the sound profile of each switch. If one were to mix and match housing components from these two switches, the resulting switches would reflect a blend of these characteristics: the sharper sound profile from the polycarbonate and the richer tones from the boba plastic. However, using each switch as designed offers a choice between clarity and warmth, providing mechanical keyboard enthusiasts with options tailored to their specific typing preferences. In essence, while their acoustic qualities differ, enthusiasts can appreciate the unique attributes each material brings to the table and decide which aligns with their typing style.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are distinct differences in actuation force, although their bottom out forces are relatively close. The Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the U4Tx RGB does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare on that metric. However, the bottom out force for the Tourmaline Blue is 67 grams, just slightly heavier than the U4Tx RGB's bottom out force of 65 grams. This suggests that while both switches fall into a medium-heavy category, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may provide a slightly firmer typing experience overall. For users who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option due to its defined actuation force, while keyboard enthusiasts who favor the feel of a heavier switch will likely enjoy the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, despite the lack of a specified actuation force. Overall, both switches deliver a robust bottom out feel, but the Everglide offers a more definitive actuation experience.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This comparison highlights the Tourmaline Blue as the switch providing a more traditional and deeper experience, which can be favored by users who appreciate a substantial keystroke feel. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's shorter distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as well as those who prefer a more immediate actuation. While both switches serve different user preferences, it’s clear that the Tourmaline Blue, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth compared to the U4Tx RGB's 3.6 mm. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a more substantial keystroke or a more rapid response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This switch produces a moderately loud sound that is neither overwhelming nor overly muted, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch combines a refined sound profile, merging the deep thock of the U4T when bottoming out with a quieter topping out sound. While it retains a bassy quality, offering a deeper richness, it also features a muted design that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches. This blend makes it appealing for those who value both luxurious auditory feedback and discretion.

When it comes to feel, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide an easy-to-press experience, characterized by gentle resistance that demands minimal force for actuation. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long sessions. Furthermore, the mild nature of these switches makes them approachable for a broad spectrum of typists, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable interaction. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB lacks specific descriptors about its feel; hence, it's unclear how it compares in this regard. The tactile bump may offer an engaging experience, but without additional details, it remains to be determined how it matches up against the Tourmaline's easy and mild feel.

In conclusion, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue excels with its deep, thocky sound and easy-to-press feel that appeals to a wide range of users, while the U4Tx RGB presents a more refined and muted auditory experience, combined with a deeper bass quality. Despite the U4Tx's lack of specific tactile descriptors, its sharp tactile bump may still attract users seeking a more luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound depth and a gentle typing feel or a combination of muted sounds with refined feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a lively, bouncy feel while typing, alongside a satisfying deep sound profile that enhances the tactile experience, the Tourmaline Blue is a fantastic option. Its moderate actuation force and easy-to-press nature make it accessible for long typing sessions, whether at work or home. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more refined typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a quieter sound profile, the U4Tx RGB might be the better fit. Its muted sound design minimizes distractions, making it ideal for shared or professional spaces while still delivering that rich, bassy feel on key presses. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a dynamic auditory experience with the Tourmaline Blues or the subtle sophistication offered by the U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more