Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Tourmaline Blue switches are praised for their deep and thocky sound profile, providing a truly immersive typing experience. They offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. With a standard spring weight, these switches are enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed with the office and work environment in mind. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility while effectively reducing noise. Crafted with precision, they feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and a responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience that lacks the usual padded feel. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$4.20 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ significantly, with the Tourmaline Blue featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

The distinction in housing materials also affects the overall aesthetics of the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially advantageous if RGB lighting is intended to be used, as it allows the lighting to shine through and create a visually appealing effect. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile, being a classic switch housing material, may not offer the same level of visual appeal as the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing.

When it comes to the tactile experience, both switches provide their distinct qualities. The Tourmaline Blue's relatively stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a more pronounced impact when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile absorbs more sound and results in a softer bottom-out feel. Conversely, the top housing of the switches has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue producing a crisper sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile creates a rounder sound.

Overall, the Tourmaline Blue and the WS Silent Tactile offer distinct experiences due to their differing housing materials. While both switches provide their unique sound profiles, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Tourmaline Blue is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force. With an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, it falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, also in the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue would be a suitable choice, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the WS Silent Tactile might be a better option. Its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying feedback and resistance when pressing down.

While specific details about actuation force are not available for the WS Silent Tactile, if its actuation force happens to be similar to that of the Tourmaline Blue, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Tourmaline Blue with its 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, providing a deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm appeals to gamers and individuals seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, ideal for gaming or situations where speed is crucial. Both switches cater to different preferences, offering options for those who prioritize responsiveness and those who prefer a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. It is considered a neutral switch, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile also falls under the neutral category, with a moderate sound profile. However, it is further described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a more tranquil typing experience. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. It is also easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and ensures comfortable typing even during extended sessions. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue is considered a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.

On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is described as accented, representing a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This switch offers invigorating feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Like the Tourmaline Blue, the WS Silent Tactile is also classified as a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.

Overall, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer pleasant typing experiences with their unique qualities. If you are looking for a switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, as well as a buttery and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with pronounced tactility and an invigorating feel, the WS Silent Tactile would be a great option. Regardless of your choice, both switches fall under the mild category and provide a satisfying typing experience for various users.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a deep and thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its standard spring weight and moderate actuation force make it accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium level of tactility with a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, all while maintaining an impressive silent profile. Whether you prefer a buttery and easy-to-press typing sensation or an accented and invigorating feel, both switches provide options that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches depends on your specific preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more