HMX Blue Topaz vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Blue Topaz linear switch offers a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, perfect for those who prefer an easy-to-press and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, appealing to users who enjoy a buttery and easy-to-press switch. Both switches have their own unique features that cater to different preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, while both switches share this commonality in housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing.
The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue provides a clear and resonant sound profile, complementing the top housing's characteristics. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is essential to recognize how the qualities of the top and bottom housing can influence sound and feel. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housing, the HMX Blue Topaz and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are able to achieve unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in the weight of the switches. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a smoother and easier typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing sensation. Those who prefer a lighter touch may favor the Blue Topaz for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals looking for a more solid keystroke may opt for the heavier Tourmaline Blue switch. Ultimately, the actuation force of a switch determines the ease of triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the amount of pressure needed to fully press the key.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Topaz for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tourmaline Blue's slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with a moderate sound profile suitable for various uses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance with minimal force required for key presses. This light actuation force results in effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. Additionally, it falls under the category of easy-to-press switches, making typing comfortable and efficient for users. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch also ensure an approachable typing experience for a wide range of users.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz excels in its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its thocky sound and buttery, easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, catering to different user preferences and typing styles. If you enjoy a crisp and sharp sound with light actuation, the Blue Topaz is a great choice. If you prefer a deep and satisfying thocky sound with a buttery feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can provide similar typing results depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more audible "clacky" sound profile, the Blue Topaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and a deep, thocky sound profile with a buttery feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing experience and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
