KTT Kang White vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, but unsure of the right choice for you? Allow us to introduce you to two popular linear switches, the KTT Kang White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Kang White is well-known for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, offering a dazzling typing sound. Its self-lubricating material provides an unparalleled smoothness when typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it delivers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique qualities, offering a wide range of benefits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Kang White Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$1.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Kang White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for achieving a distinct acoustic experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either the Kang White or the Tourmaline Blue.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Kang White incorporates nylon, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue continues with polycarbonate. Nylon offers a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's sharper and crisper sound. This disparity in sound quality is due to the characteristics of the materials used. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the relatively stiffer polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound produced when pressing down on keys between the Kang White and the Tourmaline Blue switches.

In summary, both the KTT Kang White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share the advantage of using polycarbonate for their top housing. This material's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile and allows for the integration of RGB lighting. However, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Kang White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housing's characteristics will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences that can impact the typing experience. The Kang White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams. While both switches have a medium actuation force, the Tourmaline Blue provides a slightly more substantial typing experience.

In terms of the bottom out force, the Kang White requires 58 grams of force to bottom out, while the Tourmaline Blue demands a slightly heavier force of 67 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue switch will provide a firmer and more pronounced typing experience when fully pressing down the keys.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Kang White switch with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter feel can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue might become a concern. However, for individuals who enjoy a more robust and forceful push while typing, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Tourmaline Blue would be a better fit. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience one desires.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kang White switch is best known for its dazzling low-pitched sound profile that features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. It is also described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound of both switches may also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kang White switch is not described in the provided information. However, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a buttery feel, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. It is also mentioned that these switches are easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a mild typing experience with a low-impact feel that is approachable to most users.

Based on the available information, the Kang White and Tourmaline Blue switches have different sound and feel qualities. The Kang White switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and is known for its self-lubricating material, which contributes to a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile and has a buttery and easy-to-press feel. Both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. If you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Kang White switch, the Tourmaline Blue switch may provide comparable results with its mild and low-impact feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch with a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, the KTT Kang White linear switch is the perfect choice for you. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and regardless of whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel on each keystroke, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the one for you. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. With its buttery, easy-to-press, and mild characteristics, the Tourmaline Blue provides a smooth and fluid typing experience that is responsive and low-impact. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Kang White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue depends on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offering their unique typing experiences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

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Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more