HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between distinct options that cater to their unique preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who relish a bright typing experience. With its silky smooth feel, this switch is ideal for users who desire a fluid and speedy response during intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch also falls into the linear category but distinguishes itself with a deep and thocky sound profile that enriches the auditory experience of typing. Featuring a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel, which can enhance the tactile feedback for users who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing. The Tourmaline Blue is recognized for its pleasant accessibility and balance, appealing to a wide range of typists. While both switches have their merits, they serve different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. 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
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue employ different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct auditory experiences for users. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb sound more effectively. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a sharper and crisper sound. This stems from polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. While both switches cater to gamers and typists alike, the choice of housing material significantly affects the character of the sound experienced during keystrokes.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switch types, similar contrasting qualities emerge. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon bottom housing, which complements the top housing's softer attributes, further enhancing the overall deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing echoes the sharper sound characteristics of its top housing, resulting in a clearer auditory output. The use of different materials in both top and bottom housings means that the sound and feel of each switch will be distinctively influenced by the softness or stiffness of the plastic. Therefore, while both switches are designed for optimal performance, their sound profiles diverge due to the material disparities.
Ultimately, when comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it becomes evident that the respective materials play a crucial role in shaping not only sound but also the tactile experience of each switch. While using different housing materials, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to varying preferences. Users seeking a rounder, softer sound can find solace in the Cloud - 50g, whereas those favoring a sharper, more pronounced auditory feedback might gravitate toward the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the materials used in each switch yield differing sound profiles, but both are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the versatility in mechanical switch construction.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch requires a stronger actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This increased resistance may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide a linear feel, their differing actuation and bottom out forces cater to contrasting preferences in user experience, making the Cloud switch a better choice for lighter use and the Tourmaline Blue better suited for those who prefer a heavier push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This 0.1 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming. If you prefer a more responsive experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g's shorter travel distance may be more advantageous, making it easier to execute quick keystrokes. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced key travel with a feeling of depth, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance could be the better choice. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a slightly quicker response time, whereas the Tourmaline Blue delivers a fuller typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its clacky sound profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter audio feedback while typing. This distinctive sound adjoins the tactile feedback of each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile. This deeper acoustic quality produces a more resonant typing experience which some users may find more satisfying, particularly for prolonged use or gaming. While both switches offer pleasant audible feedback, the Cloud - 50g emphasizes a lighter, more high-pitched clack, whereas the Tourmaline Blue’s deeper sound might appeal to those who prefer a richer auditory experience. Keep in mind that the actual sound may vary significantly depending on the keyboard’s build quality and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of these two switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g is characterized by its silky smoothness that provides an enjoyable typing experience. Users can expect an easily navigable keystroke without any roughness, making it suitable for both casual and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a buncey feel, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. This design allows for a more dynamic action with each keystroke, promoting a sensation of effortless typing. The Tourmaline Blue delivers a buttery experience that is also easy-to-press and mild, which caters to users seeking a comfortable and gentle typing experience. Overall, while the Cloud - 50g focuses on a smooth feel, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more engaging and bouncy sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile response.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound and silky smoothness, ideal for users seeking a brighter and smoother experience. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper sound and a bouncier feel, promoting comfort and a satisfying tactile response. While both switches may appeal to different preferences, users will find that each can create an enjoyable typing environment, ensuring a pleasant experience whether you're gaming or typing for extended periods.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a lighter switch that allows for quick and effortless typing while enjoying a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue and allowing for a bright, smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that provides a deeper, thocky sound and more substantial feedback, the Tourmaline Blue will serve you well. With a 67g bottom-out force, its bouncy feel and buttery smooth keystrokes strike a balance that appeals to many users, making it versatile for both work and gaming environments. In essence, if you seek ease of use and a lively typing sound, go for the Cloud - 50g; however, if you want a richer acoustic experience and a more tactile feel, the Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. Ultimately, understanding these nuances will help you select the switch that best fits your typing style and sound preferences.
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