HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is renowned for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright and tactile typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch, boasts a deep and thocky sound profile with a standard spring weight, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of users. Each switch is categorized by distinct qualities such as bounciness, pitch, and ease of pressing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
56g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound experience with its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing stands out for its translucency, making it a popular choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a more traditional look with its opaque finish. However, both housing materials serve their purposes well, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance in sound production, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound quality, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Tourmaline Blue or the deeper and fuller sound of the Cloud - 63.5g, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are subtle differences to note. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue needs 67 grams. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required for keystrokes. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may appeal to users who prefer a slightly more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, slightly longer than the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch's travel distance of 3.9 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can be noticeable depending on personal preference. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tourmaline Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and depth, providing a satisfying typing or gaming experience regardless of the slight variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two will ultimately depend on the user's preferred typing sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving users a lively and smooth sensation as they type. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing feel, catering to users who prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences for key feel and feedback.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. Users looking for a brighter and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel may prefer the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch, while those seeking a deep and thocky sound with a buttery and mild feel may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and users can expect similar levels of quality and performance regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the type of sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what qualities you value most in a keyboard switch.
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