Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Durock White Lotus. The Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. These switches strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist. It offers a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, without overwhelming the user. Additionally, it features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects to add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While both switches offer different qualities in their top housings, they are similar in terms of their ability to enhance the sound when a key is released.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Tourmaline Blue employs a polycarbonate material, similar to its top housing. This material choice contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. By contrast, the Durock White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, it's important to note that the housing materials of both switches play crucial roles in delivering an optimal typing experience. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing's impact is most noticeable when releasing a key. Therefore, whether it's the Everglide Tourmaline Blue with its polycarbonate housing or the Durock White Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend and nylon housing combination, both switches offer their own unique qualities that can enhance the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus switch would be a suitable choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for comfortable and extended typing sessions. This lighter weight is particularly beneficial for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch, given its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This added force provides a stronger push feel when typing, which some users may find more satisfying.
While there are differences between the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches, the general principle remains the same. Both switches follow the pattern of requiring a lower force for actuation and a slightly higher force for bottoming out. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the push feel and overall typing experience offered by these switches, with the Tourmaline Blue being slightly heavier and the White Lotus being slightly lighter.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced by the user.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. This sound is neutral, which means it has a moderate volume and tone suitable for most users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Like the Tourmaline Blue switches, they also have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various typing needs. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery and easy-to-press experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a mild tactile feel, which means they offer a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Similarly, the Durock White Lotus switches also offer an easy-to-press feel with minimal resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Like the Tourmaline Blue switches, the White Lotus switches have a mild tactile feel that is gentle and suitable for most typists. Additionally, the White Lotus switches are described as having a subtle resistance, meaning they provide a light typing feel without being too feather-like. The sound and feel of both switches fall within a safe and middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel, while the White Lotus switches offer a low-pitched sound and a delicate tactility. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. While the Tourmaline Blue switches are characterized by their buttery and mild typing experience, the White Lotus switches provide a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel. Overall, these switches deliver satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, and whether you choose the Tourmaline Blue or White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great choice if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile. These switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch, the Durock White Lotus would be the ideal choice. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force and offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. Overall, your decision should depend on your preferred sound, feel, and actuation force, with the Tourmaline Blue providing a deeper and bouncier experience, while the White Lotus offers a lighter and more delicate tactile feel.
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