HMX KD200 vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, users often seek a balance between sound, feel, and typing experience. The HMX KD200, recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offers a distinct auditory feedback that is sure to delight those who enjoy a pronounced sound profile while typing. Its linear design provides a smooth keystroke, making it appealing for both gamers and typists who prioritize swift, uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents a deep and thocky sound profile, which is not only immersive but also enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke. With its lengthened single-stage spring, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a bouncy feel that many users find pleasurable, striking a balance with its standard spring weight that makes it accessible to a broader audience. Both switches cater to unique preferences: the KD200 for those who revel in a clackier auditory experience, and the Tourmaline Blue for users who seek a thocky, bouncy feel. 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 KD200 Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX KD200 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profile and overall user experience. The KD200 is constructed with nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classical material is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound and create a rounder tone. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when these switches are engaged, which sets the Tourmaline Blue apart in auditory experiences.

While both switches utilize materials that affect their sound characteristics, the differences also extend to their tactile feedback. The nylon of the KD200 emphasizes a softer bottom-out feel, contributing to a more cushioned typing experience, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue’s polycarbonate provides a firmer response that might appeal to typists seeking a more pronounced tactile sensation. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue offers transparency, making it a favored choice for setups featuring RGB lighting, while the KD200’s opaque nylon may not visually complement such lighting but contributes to a more subdued sound quality that users may prefer for tasks requiring concentration.

In summary, users choosing between the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will experience a notable contrast in sound and feel due to their different housing materials. Those who appreciate a deeper, softer auditory experience may gravitate toward the KD200, while individuals who prioritize crispness and clarity may prefer the Tourmaline Blue. However, if both switches were to share the same housing materials, whether nylon or polycarbonate, they would elicit similar acoustic results, creating a more harmonious sound profile regardless of the switch design.

Weight

When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KD200 boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extensive typing sessions or gaming marathons where less resistance can lead to reduced fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. As a result, those who seek a lighter switch for endurance may gravitate towards the KD200, while users desiring more weight in their keystrokes might opt for the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for lightness versus a stronger keystroke feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The KD200 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Tourmaline Blue boasts a 4 mm travel distance, positioning it as the longer switch. This indicates that users who opt for the KD200 may experience a more responsive action, appealing to gamers seeking quick key presses. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and cushioned feel, which some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches hinges on personal preference, with the KD200 leaning towards quick responsiveness and the Tourmaline Blue offering depth and assurance in each keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, they present two distinct auditory experiences. The KD200 is notably recognized for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, which suggests a more pronounced, sharp auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile experience for those who enjoy a louder sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile that envelops the user in satisfying audio feedback, combining richness with a sense of depth. Both switches will offer a unique sound experience depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but the KD200's sharper clattering sound may appeal more to enthusiasts who prefer pronounced auditory feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue’s deeper tones may be appreciated for their immersive quality.

Regarding the feel of these switches, the KD200's characteristics are not explicitly defined. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its buttery and mild touch, providing a smooth, seamless keystroke motion that is gentle yet responsive. The light actuation force required to engage these switches makes them exceptionally easy to press, thereby reducing finger fatigue and enhancing overall comfort during extended typing sessions. The combination of these traits results in a typing experience that is approachable and enjoyable for various users. The KD200 might offer a different tactile sensation, but without specific descriptors, it is difficult to draw direct comparisons in this aspect.

In summary, the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The KD200 excels in producing a loud and crisper auditory feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more muted and rounded sound experience. When it comes to tactile sensation, the Tourmaline Blue's buttery smoothness and gentle actuation make for an accessible typing experience for many users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both will provide unique and satisfying experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when it comes to selecting between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, your choice will depend heavily on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the KD200, with its light 50-gram actuation force and clackiest sound profile, can offer an exciting and engaging typing experience, perfect for both gaming and casual use at home. However, if you prefer a deeper and more “thocky” acoustic vibe, the Tourmaline Blue's heavier 67-gram actuation weight combined with its buttery feel can provide a satisfying balance for typing and gaming, suitable for more serious work or professional environments. The Tourmaline Blues are advantageous due to their moderate yet pleasant sound profile and gentle actuation force, making them a solid choice for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a switch that allows for swift, effortless keystrokes, the KD200 is the way to go, while those seeking a thoughtful, robust feel and sound will find joy in the Tourmaline Blue. Consider your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, and choose accordingly to ensure a delightful typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more