TTC Gold Pink vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gold Pink switch is highly regarded for its feather-light actuation force of 37g, making it one of the easiest switches to press. This characteristic lends itself to a fast and effortless typing experience, which is particularly attractive to avid typists and gamers. Additionally, the Gold Pinks offer a delightful clacky sound that adds a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blues boast a deep and thocky sound profile that envelops users in a satisfying typing experience. These switches feature a lengthened single-stage spring, resulting in a bouncier 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. Both switches present their unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate due to its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink features a nylon material while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate. The Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The material of the bottom housing also has an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while the top housings of both switches are the same and provide similar sound profiles, the difference lies in the bottom housings. The Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preference and desired sound outcomes, either switch can provide a unique typing experience with its distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in their weights. The Gold Pink switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it an ideal choice for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a more substantial push feel during typing. This provides a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the Gold Pink switch offers a lighter touch, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a heavier and more pronounced keystroke. However, it is worth noting that both switches produce similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, as they fall within the same range of light to medium-heavy.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Whether you choose the Gold Pink or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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.
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, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is best known for its clacky sound, which provides a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as having a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing the user in a satisfying typing experience. The sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, the Gold Pink switch offers a clacky sound, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is described as having a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is described as having a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. It offers gentle resistance during key presses and requires minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is best known for its lightness, fast and effortless typing experience, clacky sound, and various feel descriptors such as buttery, feathery, and polished. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is known for its deep and thocky sound, bouncy feel with each keystroke, and feel descriptors such as buttery and easy-to-press. While they have their own unique characteristics, both switches offer an enjoyable and accessible typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can achieve similar results with either switch option. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and key feel to choose the switch that best suits individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With their low bottom out force of 45 grams and light actuation force of 37 grams, these switches are designed for fast typing or gaming. They provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, delivering a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 67 grams and a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. They strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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