Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be faced with a tough decision between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu. Both of these switches have their own unique characteristics that make them appealing options for different types of users. The Tourmaline Blue is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke, striking a balance with its standard spring weight for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods of time. The Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate subtlety and polish in their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It also offers a clear and resonant sound due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a perfect choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.

Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue and Yanyu also differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Tourmaline Blue employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as mentioned earlier. The stiffer plastic of polycarbonate ensures a clearer and more resonant sound experience. Meanwhile, the Yanyu's bottom housing combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in an incredibly unique blend. Although specific details about the sound profile are not mentioned, it can be inferred that the blend offers a distinct and pleasant sound experience that differs from the Tourmaline Blue.

When considering the overall impact on the switch, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom housing plays a significant role. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will embody the qualities of its respective material. In the case of the Tourmaline Blue, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the sharp and crisp sound during bottom-out. On the other hand, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing would offer a different sensation and sound profile. Likewise, the top housing's material, whether polycarbonate or the blend, will influence the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials, they both provide distinct sound profiles based on their respective materials for a comprehensive keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Tourmaline Blue has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown, but it has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Yanyu switch ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. While the Tourmaline Blue offers a stronger push feel, the Yanyu switch provides a more lightweight and effortless keystroke. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel, resulting in a similar feedback sensation. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu switches as they both offer a 4 mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the subjective qualities of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is important to note that both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most types of users and settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, the Tourmaline Blue switch is noted for its deep and thocky sound profile, which provides a more immersive and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is said to have a crisp sound profile, which may be preferred by those looking for a more delicate typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with gentle resistance during key presses and minimal force required to activate the switch. The Tourmaline Blue switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Yanyu switch is also described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This indicates that it offers a gentle typing experience, with exceptionally light key presses and little exertion required from the fingers. The Yanyu switch reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for gaming, school, or work.

In conclusion, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have their own unique sound and feel qualities. The Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, while the Yanyu switch provides a crisp sound profile and a more delicate typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Tourmaline Blue switch being buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, and the Yanyu switch being mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. Depending on personal preference and specific typing needs, both switches can deliver satisfying results, with the Tourmaline Blue switch providing a more immersive and bouncy typing experience, and the Yanyu switch offering a crisper and more delicate typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a medium-heavy switch with a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a great choice for you. With its deep and thocky sound profile, these switches immerse you in a rich typing experience. 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 switch and value a delicate typing experience or type for extended periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu would be the ideal option. The Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, and its light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more