Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique experiences for typists seeking a distinct feel and sound. 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 Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While both switches are categorized as 'Buttery,' each offers its own unique characteristics such as the high-pitched and clacky sound signature of the Vanilla Ice Cream. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches offer unique advantages. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches provide distinctive sound profiles, their top housings differ in material composition, catering to individual preferences.
Furthermore, when examining the bottom housing materials of the Tourmaline Blue and the Vanilla Ice Cream, the differences become more pronounced. The Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, much like its top housing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability. This distinction in bottom housing material highlights the unique characteristics and performance aspects of each switch, allowing users to select a switch based on their specific preferences and typing style.
While the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct advantages in their housing materials, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the proprietary KTT blend housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Whether users prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the durability of POK, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to various typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, smoothness, and durability in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch at 43 grams, making the Tourmaline Blue switch heavier in this aspect. However, the Tourmaline Blue also has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that the Tourmaline Blue switch is also heavier in this regard. The Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch make it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming. In general, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a heavier typing feel, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a lighter touch, catering to different preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being on the longer side and the Vanilla Ice Cream being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and overall 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound that is sharp and crisp, providing a unique auditory experience. The difference in sound between the two switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Tourmaline Blue offering a more balanced sound and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a more distinct and lively sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its buttery and easy-to-press keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics of this switch make it approachable to a wide range of users. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a creamy and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and luxurious feel reminiscent of its dessert namesake. The difference in feel between the two switches lies in the level of smoothness and fluidity in the keystrokes, with the Tourmaline Blue offering a gentle and consistent typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a more indulgent and silky sensation.
Overall, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue provides a balanced and easy-to-press typing experience with a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound along with a creamy and buttery feel, adding a touch of luxury to the typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the sound and feel profiles of each switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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