Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, this switch offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke, making it enjoyable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. It provides a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the Tourmaline Blue is ideal for those who prefer a buttery and easy-to-press switch, while the WS Light Tactile is perfect for those who appreciate a stepped tactile feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended to be paired with RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either the Tourmaline Blue or the WS Light Tactile due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue continues its use of polycarbonate, while the WS Light Tactile switches to nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the impact of the polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. While the polycarbonate top housing of both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile creates a consistent sharp and clear sound, the differentiation in bottom housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences. Whether one prefers the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the WS Light Tactile. The Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile only needs 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. This difference in force can greatly impact typing experience, with some preferring the lighter touch for extended typing sessions while others may prefer the heavier force for a more substantial feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to feel a consistent level of keypress feedback. This means whether you choose the Tourmaline Blue or the WS Light Tactile, you can expect to get similar results when it comes to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a travel distance that can cater to different preferences.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound, while the WS Light Tactile maintains smoothness with a perceptible tactile bump. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is characterized as stepped and easy-to-press, offering a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and post-travel sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a responsive and comfortable feel for extended use.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both cater to a variety of users seeking a pleasant typing experience. Whether you prefer a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel or a smooth and tactile bump with light actuation force, both switches provide enjoyable and accessible options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy feel and deep thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and fluid typing experience with a snappy tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. The Tourmaline Blue has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preference.
Mentioned in this article
