HMX Canglan V2 vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both deliver satisfying linear experiences but cater to slightly different preferences and typing styles. The Canglan V2 is renowned for its thocky sound profile, resulting from a careful blend of materials and advanced molding techniques, which provide a smooth, light touch that enthusiasts have long desired. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a deeper auditory experience alongside a featherlight feel. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its bouncy typing experience, achieved through a lengthened single-stage spring. This switch offers a standard spring weight and a neutral, easy-to-press action, making it accessible to a broader audience. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations and auditory feedback, appealing to varying user 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

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we observe significant differences that greatly influence their auditory profiles. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which lends a deeper, fuller sound to each keystroke. Nylon is inherently softer, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, contributing to a sharper, more high-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enables a clearer and more resonant sound profile, catering to those who prefer a crisper auditory feedback when typing.

Moreover, the aesthetic implications of the materials utilized in these switches further set them apart. The transparency of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue allows for better RGB lighting effects, making these switches particularly appealing to gamers or those who prioritize visual customizations in their keyboards. Conversely, the Canglan V2, while not featuring the same level of translucency as polycarbonate, focuses on delivering an aesthetically pleasing and soft sound that emphasizes comfort over visual flair. This contrast in design philosophy highlights the different user experiences these switches aim to provide—one fostering a visually dynamic interface and the other prioritizing acoustic depth.

In terms of performance, the varying materials in each switch give rise to distinct sound characteristics based on their compositions. While the nylon of the Canglan V2 facilitates a deeper sound when bottoming out, the Tourmaline Blue’s polycarbonate enhances resonance for a sharper release sound. If users were to opt for either switch, they could expect similar results in terms of keystroke responsiveness; however, the nuanced differences in sound profile are notable. Essentially, if one were to switch between these switches, the auditory experiences would diverge significantly—highlighting the importance of material choice in the tactile and aural feedback during use.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer push when typing or gaming. This heavier resistance may appeal to users seeking a more tactile feedback experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch that allows for longer usage without strain, the Canglan V2 is the better option, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who enjoy a stronger keystroke feel.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress, offering a deeper, more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences: if you favor quicker response times, the Canglan V2 could be the better option, while the Tourmaline Blue could be more suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch delivers a notably deep and thocky sound signature that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a substantial auditory experience while typing. This thocky quality sets it apart, ensuring a resonant feedback that many users find satisfying. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue also boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a immersive auditory experience that complements its tactile feedback. This similarity in sound gives both switches a robust character, making them particularly enjoyable for users who value that rich auditory confirmation with each keystroke, although it’s important to remember that external factors like the chosen keyboard and keycaps can influence the final sound.

In terms of feel, the HMX Canglan V2 is characterized by a smooth and light typing experience, which contributes to its appeal among users looking for an effortless keystroke. This allows for quick typing and reduces finger fatigue, making it a great choice for extensive use. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers what can be described as a buttery feel, characterized by a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy effect that adds a layer of engagement with each press, while being easy to activate and mild in its resistance. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience, but the distinction lies in their unique takes on smoothness and responsiveness, catering to slightly different preferences.

In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer compelling auditory and tactile qualities that appeal to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While they share similarities in sound, with their deep and thocky profiles, their feel diverges slightly, with the Canglan V2 providing a light and smooth experience, and the Tourmaline Blue delivering a buttery and bouncy response. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference, as both options are designed to enhance your typing experience in enjoyable and rewarding ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a thocky sound signature, the Canglan V2 is the ideal choice, as its 48-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where speed and agility are key. Its unique material blend and improved molding techniques result in a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances your overall experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance with each keystroke, the Tourmaline Blue, with its medium-heavy 67-gram bottom-out force, provides a balanced typing feel that's both buttery smooth and mildly bouncy due to its lengthened spring. This makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, from casual typing to more demanding work environments, while its neutral sound profile ensures it won’t be distracting to you or those around you. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you want a lighter, more tactile experience or a more grounded, supportive feel, ensuring that your new keyboard perfectly aligns with your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more