HMX Gravel vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it a top choice for users who prioritize a lightweight and responsive experience. Its medium-light actuation force allows for effortless typing while maintaining a satisfying fluidity that many find appealing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, while also a linear switch, offers a distinct tactile quality with its deep, thocky sound profile that enhances the auditory aspect of typing. Its lengthened single-stage spring imparts a bouncy feel with each keystroke, providing a lively experience that balances performance and comfort. While both switches present unique advantages—smoothness with the Gravel and engaging sound with the Tourmaline Blue—it's crucial to evaluate them in greater detail to determine which switch truly aligns with your typing style and preferences. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue displays a fascinating comparison in their housing materials, specifically in their top housing composition. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate—known for its rigidity—lends itself to enhanced resonance and clarity in sound. This similarity means that users of both switches can expect similar auditory experiences, particularly if illuminated with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. A clear housing such as that found on both switches will allow light to disperse effectively, showcasing visual aesthetics while maintaining acoustic characteristics.

In contrast to the top housings, the bottom housing materials of these switches differ significantly, influencing their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gravel employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material that absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, which mirrors the higher-pitched, clearer sound characteristics found in its top housing. Consequently, while the Gravel offers a more muted and rounded auditory experience from the bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue maintains a consistent sonic profile through the use of polycarbonate on both ends. Thus, users of the latter can expect a more uniform sound quality when pressed, reinforcing the overall brighter sonic experience.

The unique combination of materials in each switch ultimately leads to different overall typing experiences, highlighting the role that housing materials play in keyboard performance. For the HMX Gravel, the nylon bottom creates a contrasting depth, enriching the keystrokes with a round, softer feedback that can be particularly satisfying for those who prefer a fuller sound. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing imparts a unified sound signature that prioritizes clarity and brightness across the board. Therefore, while both switches can achieve satisfying results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics, allowing users to select based on their unique typing style.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out force emerge. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it particularly suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the lighter force minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Consequently, the Gravel is categorized as a lighter switch, while the Tourmaline Blue is considered medium-heavy. This means that users seeking a softer touch may gravitate towards the Gravel, while those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback would likely prefer the Tourmaline Blue, which could lead to different tactile experiences during use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, it is clear that they differ significantly. The HMX Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue measures 4 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times commonly favored by gamers. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and substantial feel, which can be more satisfying for users who enjoy a deeper keypress. Therefore, individuals seeking a snappier experience would likely favor the Gravel, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced travel would lean towards the Tourmaline Blue.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In the realm of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is noted for its more subdued tonal quality, providing a typing experience that is generally quiet and unintrusive. This aligns it well with environments where minimal noise is preferred, making it a versatile option for both casual and professional use. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stands out with a deep and thocky sound profile that adds a gratifying acoustic dimension to each keystroke. This switch is designed to deliver an immersive auditory experience, catering to users who appreciate a pronounced data communicate from their keyboard. Both switches, however, can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, which can alter the final sound produced.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing sensation, characterized by a medium-light actuation force. This culminates in an effortless typing experience that reduces fatigue over long sessions, making it suitable for users who prioritize comfort and a fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened spring, complemented by a buttery smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch’s easy-to-press nature and mild characteristics make it appealing to a wide audience, particularly those who enjoy a responsive yet gentle actuation that remains enjoyable throughout extensive use.

In summary, both switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Gravel is well-suited for those who prioritize a quieter, smooth, and effortless typing experience, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a more pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly bouncy, comfortable feel. Users can achieve satisfaction with either switch, depending on whether they value subdued sound or a thocky auditory sensation, while both ensure a pleasant typing experience in their unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and smooth feel in your typing experience, the Gravel switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, becomes a compelling choice. Its exceptionally smooth operation makes it ideal for long typing sessions and for those who prioritize a responsive, effortless feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a deeper sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue, with its medium-heavy force of 67 grams, will likely appeal to you. Its longer spring and deeper thocky sound offer an engaging and enjoyable typing experience that balances comfort, feedback, and a satisfying auditory element. Moreover, if you need a switch that caters to both gaming and typing without feeling overly heavy or light, the Tourmaline Blue's buttery and mild characteristics make it a versatile option for a wide range of users. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and environment, and you will find the one that best complements your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more