Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Tourmaline Blue is well-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. The standard spring weight of the Tourmaline Blue makes it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio offer a remarkable tactile bump that adds a satisfying resistance to each keystroke. With a tactile force of 70g, typing becomes an engaging and immersive journey. These switches also provide a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' use of nylon housings which contribute to a "thocky" resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in their housing materials, with the Tourmaline Blue featuring a polycarbonate top housing and bottom housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a nylon top housing and bottom housing. The polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing gives a more immersive typing experience with its deep and full sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency, creating a visually striking effect. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to personalize their keyboard with vibrant lighting options. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing may not offer the same level of transparency for RGB lighting, but it exudes a classic switch appearance. Its solid and opaque nature gives an understated and timeless aesthetic.

When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue's housing materials distribute their qualities between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing, which is made of polycarbonate, contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that when pressing down on the Tourmaline Blue, the stiffness of the polycarbonate will be more evident, providing a satisfying and precise keystroke. On the other hand, the top housing, also made of polycarbonate, influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the crisp and resonant sound profile of the Tourmaline Blue will be more noticeable when lifting one's fingers off the keys. In comparison, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings work together to create a consistent and immersive typing experience, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are several notable differences. Firstly, the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown. This means that the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly lighter force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when pressing the keys all the way down. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison.

Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods, which is ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a stronger push force for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. For those individuals, opting for switches with heavier forces is recommended.

While the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unknown, it is clear that it has a lighter bottom out force than the Tourmaline Blue. Therefore, if one is looking for a lighter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile may be a suitable option. However, if a more medium-heavy feel is desired, the Tourmaline Blue would be a better choice. Despite the differing actuation and bottom out forces, both switches can provide similar results, with the WS Heavy Tactile catering to those who prefer a lighter feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly heavier option.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Tourmaline Blue offers a longer distance to travel compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. The Tourmaline Blue's 4.0 mm distance is considered more traditional, providing a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower and is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Heavy Tactile with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both switches provide different experiences, catering to the preferences of different individuals.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer different profiles. The Tourmaline Blue is described as having a deep and thocky sound that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. This means that the WS Heavy Tactile will produce a sharper, crisper sound when pressed, while the Tourmaline Blue will have a more neutral and moderate sound profile. It's important to note that factors such as your choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound of the switches.

In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. These qualities contribute to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance. The WS Heavy Tactile, on the other hand, offers an accented feel, bouncy feedback, invigorating sensation, sharp tactile bump, and snappy response. This indicates that the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more pronounced tactile experience with moderate to firm actuation force. The Tourmaline Blue offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile delivers a more tactile and responsive feel.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound with a bouncy feel, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Both switches offer immersive and satisfying typing experiences, but the WS Heavy Tactile leans towards a more pronounced tactile feedback. If you prefer a switch with a similar sound and a more gentle typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue would be a suitable choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel and a moderate actuation force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be an excellent choice. It offers an enjoyable and accessible typing experience, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump, accompanied by a captivating and resonant sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch would be the ideal option. With a tactile force of 70g, it provides a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging journey. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a range of descriptors including accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, all adding to the immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the level of tactility you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more