Gateron Oil King vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience. The Oil King is celebrated for its smoothness, providing a buttery feel with every keystroke and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue stands out 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 that many users appreciate. Moreover, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, giving you options based on your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Oil King Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.50 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Oil King and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying sound experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend. This blend results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, contributing to the same sharp and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing the keys.

In summary, while the Gateron Oil King and Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in their choice of housing materials, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profile. The Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper tone. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound upon key press. So, whether it's the Oil King or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a satisfying and distinctive auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. The actuation force of the Oil King is slightly lighter at 55 grams, compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Oil King is 65 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. While the difference in force is minimal, it may be noticeable to those who prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Oil King, as it offers a slightly lower actuation and bottom out force. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue may be the preferred choice, as it requires a slightly heavier force for key activation. Ultimately, both switches provide a medium-heavy feel, and individuals can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces from either option.

Travel distance

The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Oil King or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you need to press the key down.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The deep and mellow tones resemble the richness and depth associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they use the switches at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and buttery feel, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The smoothness is enhanced by lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The Tourmaline Blue linear switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel. The switches have gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate, which reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions.

Considering all the available information, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The Gateron Oil King excels in providing a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel. It is a great choice for those who prefer a smoother sound and feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery and easy-to-press feel. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of users.

If you are looking for a similar sound and feel, both switches provide a buttery experience, ensuring a seamless and fluid keystroke. However, to achieve specific sound and feel preferences, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both the Gateron Oil King and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer enjoyable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, catering to different sound and feel preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for sound and feel.

If you prioritize a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King is your best bet. It offers a mellow and rich tone during key presses, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue is the switch for you. Its sound is moderate and suitable for a wide range of users, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist.

In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Oil King is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue is also described as buttery, with an easy-to-press and mild feel. These switches minimize resistance and provide a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and Everglide Tourmaline Blue depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a low-pitched and bassy sound, combined with a creamy and polished feel, the Oil King is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound and a buttery and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue is a great option. Consider your typing style and preferences to make an informed decision. In the end, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Oil King Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more