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Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. KTT Wine Red

An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Wine Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer their own unique advantages and characteristics. The Tourmaline Blue is best known for its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. 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, the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, giving users a different tactile experience. They are categorized as bassy and low-pitched, providing a distinct sensation while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different individuals based on their preferences. 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

44g

Bottom-out force

67g

Bottom-out force

55g

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

No

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated

Spring

Progressive spring

Housing materials

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches that use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing glow. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic effects when using both the Tourmaline Blue and the Wine Red.

While both switches share the same polycarbonate material for their top housings, the bottom housings differ between the Tourmaline Blue and the Wine Red. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material contribute significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. However, without further information about the specific properties of the bottom housing material for each switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between them in this aspect.

One notable distinction lies in the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key. As the top housing has more influence in this aspect, the Tourmaline Blue and the Wine Red may exhibit subtle differences in the sound they produce when keys are let go. However, without additional details regarding the specific design and construction of these switches, it is challenging to determine the exact variations between them in terms of the top housing's impact.

Overall, the similarities between the Tourmaline Blue and the Wine Red in terms of their polycarbonate housing materials suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch. However, potential distinctions may arise in the specific qualities brought by the bottom housing and the sound when releasing keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Tourmaline Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, requiring a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke, whereas the Wine Red switch has a lower actuation force of 44 grams, providing a lighter touch for activation. In terms of bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams of force to fully press the key down, offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing sensation. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Wine Red switch is lighter in comparison. Depending on personal preference, those desiring a more robust typing experience may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch, while those favoring a lighter touch might lean towards the Wine Red switch.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience an equal travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by these switches.

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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.

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

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is best known for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. It offers a balanced sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you intend to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is described as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. It has a low-pitched tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its buttery and easy-to-press sensation. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, it enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone.

Unfortunately, no specific information is available regarding the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, based on the information provided, it is likely to offer a light and pillowy type feel, similar to a softer and more cushioned typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and KTT Wine Red switches have distinct sound and feel qualities. The Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile, combined with a buttery and easy-to-press feel. It offers a balanced sound suitable for most users, making it a popular choice. The KTT Wine Red, on the other hand, offers a bassy sound profile that is deeper and richer, but information regarding its feel is unknown. If you are seeking a satisfying and immersive typing experience with a focus on sound, the Tourmaline Blue may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and bass-heavy sound, the Wine Red switch could be worth considering, keeping in mind that detailed information on its feel is not available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the right choice for you. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy and enjoyable typing experience. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the way to go. Its intoxicating characteristics make typing on it a pleasure. Overall, both switches have their unique sound and feel qualities, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. Whether you value a bouncy, thocky experience or a pillowy, rich feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience in their own right.

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