TTC Speed Silver vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Speed Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Speed Silver is renowned for its emphasis on speed, providing users with a fast and precise typing experience. These switches feature a light-medium level of resistance and produce a pristine sound profile. With their reduced travel distance, the Speed Silvers enable quick and effortless actuation. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. These switches boast a lengthened single-stage spring, resulting in 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. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similar housing materials in the form of polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate due to its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting in their keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound profiles and visual effects when using these switches.
However, the two switches differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Speed Silver features a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. As a result, while the top housing contributes to the overall sound profile, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue exhibit both similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, leading to comparable sound profiles and aesthetic attributes. However, the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may depend on the desired sound characteristics and the importance of RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. This means that the Speed Silver requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Speed Silver has a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range when it comes to bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver would be a suitable choice as its actuation force is lower. This allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Tourmaline Blue with its heavier actuation force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, although the Speed Silver and Tourmaline Blue differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, they both fall within the medium range. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that the Speed Silver has a shorter distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Tourmaline Blue has a longer distance of 4 mm. These distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being closer to the standard 4.0 mm length. Gamers, who prioritize fast response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances, such as the Speed Silver. The shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes, enhancing the overall gaming experience. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a deeper key press and find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance may be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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, both the TTC Speed Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they both produce a moderate sound during typing, making them suitable for most purposes and environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Speed Silver switch offers a mild typing experience and a polished finish. The mild characteristic indicates that the typing sensation is gentle and approachable to most users. The switch also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press. The buttery characteristic suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch is also easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, which makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Similar to the Speed Silver, the Tourmaline Blue also falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience.
Overall, both switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Speed Silver provides a mild and polished typing experience with a pristine sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press typing feel with a deep and thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and typing preferences, one can choose between the two switches for their keyboard setup. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its reduced travel distance, it allows for quick and effortless actuation. On the other hand, if you want a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and a standard spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the one to go for. It strikes a balance that makes it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the TTC Speed Silver offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should depend on the specific characteristics and typing preferences you prioritize.
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