Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to offer two fantastic mechanical keyboard switches for you to choose from. On one hand, we have the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch that stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide 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, we have the Outemu Yellow Silver, another linear switch from a consistently impressive brand. This switch features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it particularly favorable for gamers and typists who prefer a speediness and responsiveness. Both switches have their own strengths and unique characteristics, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Outemu Yellow Silver have similar polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Tourmaline Blue and the Yellow Silver will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, there is a difference between the two switches. The Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Yellow Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a polycarbonate bottom housing elicits a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In summary, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Outemu Yellow Silver have polycarbonate top housings, providing similar sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound profiles and keyboard aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Tourmaline Blue switch has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yellow Silver switch may be the more suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue can be reduced. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and robust typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide a more satisfying experience.
It is worth noting that although the forces differ between the two switches, both provide a medium lever of resistance. So, if the intensity of typing experience is a priority for the user, either switch can deliver a similar result. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Tourmaline Blue switch being on the heavier side and the Yellow Silver switch having a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feeling and key responsiveness when using either switch.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, providing a satisfying typing experience. It offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke due to its lengthened single-stage spring. With a standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Similarly, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for a neutral sound profile, favored by gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. Since both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, users can expect similar results in terms of sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, offering a uniform feel. The Tourmaline Blue is also characterized as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, it enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch.
Considering the available information, both the Tourmaline Blue and Yellow Silver switches have a similar neutral sound profile. However, the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown. Depending on personal preferences, users who prioritize a deep, thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel may prefer the Tourmaline Blue switch. However, if speediness and responsiveness are more important, the Yellow Silver switch might be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a deep and thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel for each keystroke, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a fantastic choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and the buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel it offers, you can expect a seamless and effortless typing experience. This switch strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, particularly for gaming or typing purposes that require speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be a great fit. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, this switch provides a low-impact and responsive typing feel. Although there is limited information available about its exact feel, you can expect a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
Overall, both switches fall under the neutral sound and feel category, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Outemu Yellow Silver will depend on your specific preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and actuation force. Consider what factors are most important to you and select the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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