Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options for typists, yet they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, which not only enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke but also creates a satisfying tactile experience thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. Its moderate spring weight makes it an enjoyable choice for a wide audience, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches shine with their incredibly light actuation force, delivering a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile. This effortless feel makes the Yunhai ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch when typing, allowing for quicker input with reduced finger fatigue. While both switches offer distinct advantages— the Tourmaline Blues with their rich sound and satisfying feedback, and the Yunhai with their light and gentle touch—each user may find themselves drawn to one over the other based on personal preference. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches and the TTC Yunhai switches, we see that the materials diverge significantly in terms of sound profile and functionality. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, enhancing resonance and clarity. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a classic nylon top housing, which tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller, but duller sound profile. Thus, the choice of housing material has distinct implications for the auditory experience of each switch.
Looking at the bottom housing materials, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue again uses polycarbonate while the TTC Yunhai utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing reinforces a bright and resonant sound, enriching the overall sound profile, especially when key presses are executed. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Yunhai further emphasizes its softer sound characteristics, contributing to a more rounded bottom-out experience. This divergence suggests that users might find a more pronounced auditory variety in the Tourmaline Blue while experiencing a smoother and perhaps more muted feedback with the Yunhai.
Ultimately, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and TTC Yunhai switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but they do so through different sound profiles shaped by their unique housing materials. If one prioritizes RGB lighting effects, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue allows for vivid illumination, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard alongside the crisper sounds. Conversely, if one favors a deeper auditory experience with pronounced cushioning in sound, the nylon housing of the Yunhai could be more appealing. Nonetheless, both switch types will create a nuanced typing experience, allowing users to find satisfaction in either the clear resonance of polycarbonate or the rounded depth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Tourmaline Blue features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. This significant difference implies that while both switches will provide a unique typing experience, the heavier Tourmaline Blue will offer a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who favor tactile feedback. Consequently, if you prefer a switch that encourages a softer keystroke and easier actuation, the TTC Yunhai is the superior choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Tourmaline Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction may influence user experience significantly; for those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel when typing, the Tourmaline Blue would be the preferable choice. Conversely, gamers or users who prioritize quick response times might lean towards the TTC Yunhai, with its shorter travel distance providing a more rapid actuation. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue offers more depth, whereas the Yunhai promotes speed and responsiveness.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 sound profile of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is characterized by a deep and thocky nature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find immersive and resonant. This allows for a pronounced sound experience during typing that can make the act of typing feel more satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch also features a deep sound, but it is noted for being rounded and subtle, which can offer a different auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a gentler approach. While both switches deliver a rich sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue boasts a more pronounced thockiness compared to the more rounded tone of the Yunhai.
The feel of the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, smooth, and easy to press, creating an inviting typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during extended typing sessions. The lengthened single-stage spring contributes to a bouncy feel and a mild actuation force, making it enjoyable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Yunhai switch is defined by an incredibly light actuation force, promoting effortless keystrokes that remain comfortable over extended periods. Both switches provide an easy-to-press experience, though the Tourmaline Blue may offer a touch more resistance and engagement due to its more balanced spring weight.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches offer unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Tourmaline Blue presents a more pronounced auditory experience with its thocky sound and noticeable bounciness, ideal for users who enjoy feedback in their typing. Conversely, the Yunhai delivers a lighter, gentler experience, suited for those who favor a subtle sound and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a rich sound profile and tactile response or a light, easy-to-press experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches, your typing preferences and habits will significantly influence your choice. If you're someone who enjoys a medium-heavy feel with each keystroke and appreciates a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switches could be ideal for you. Their 67 grams of force strikes a balance that many typists find satisfying, offering both support and a rewarding auditory experience. These switches excel in environments where you want to feel each key press, translating to a tactile and well-rounded typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless typing sensation, the TTC Yunhai switches, with their 50 grams of actuation force, would be a better fit. These switches are not only easy to press but also enhance comfort over extended typing sessions due to their gentle resistance. Their unique typing experience with a rounded sound profile makes them a good choice for those who prioritize a soft touch and reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a heavier, more tactile experience with sound or a light, comfortable feel during typing.
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