Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Tourmaline Blue is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with its bouncy feel and standard spring weight. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise during typing. While the Tourmaline Blue may appeal to those who enjoy a buttery and easy-to-press switch, the Zero Degree 0° may be more suited for individuals seeking a silent typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting. However, the Tourmaline Blue also utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Zero Degree 0° features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue.
The differences in housing materials between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° result in varying sound profiles and tactile experiences. The split between the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Tourmaline Blue allows for a balance between clear and resonant sounds when pressing down on a key, as well as when releasing it. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out a key, offering a different typing experience. Both switches excel in providing unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while the Tourmaline Blue and the Zero Degree 0° differ in their housing materials, they both offer high-quality switches with distinct characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. However, the inclusion of a nylon bottom housing in the Zero Degree 0° provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a softer tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences. The Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Tourmaline Blue offers a medium-heavy typing feel, the Zero Degree 0° provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a heavier or lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Zero Degree 0°. This means that the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the more shallow press of the Zero Degree 0°. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being on the longer side and the Zero Degree 0° being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel depth 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
Overall, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. In terms of sound, it falls under the category of a neutral switch, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness and stability with a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound. The feel of the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. While information on the feel of the Zero Degree 0° is unknown, it emphasizes smoothness and quiet operation.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue excels in providing a satisfying sound profile and bouncy feel, suitable for a wide range of users with its neutral characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° focuses on silent operation and smoothness, offering a soft and elastic feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve a similar typing experience with either switch based on your choice of board and keycaps. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, then the Tourmaline Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, then the Zero Degree 0° could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience.
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