HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, such as the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch stands out with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bright, resonant sound and a notably bouncy feel that aims to transform every keystroke into a delightful experience, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue also offers a bouncy typing sensation, but does so with a deeper, "thocky" sound profile that provides a rich auditory feedback, coupled with a standard spring weight that caters to a broader audience. Both switches present unique qualities that could enhance one’s typing experience—whether you're after a lively bounce or a soothing thock—but to truly determine the best fit for your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, the differences in their housing materials provide distinct auditory experiences. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nylon contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent properties of these materials lead to differing acoustic qualities that can significantly influence the user’s typing experience.
The impact of the housing material is especially pronounced in the nuances of sound and feel while typing. For the Lotus (Heavy), the softer nylon creates a plush typing sensation alongside its unique sound profile, fostering a more muted and intimate interaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate construction, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that resonates with a brighter acoustical tone. Users seeking an immersive auditory experience may prefer the subtler qualities of the nylon housing, while those who favor a more dynamic and crystalline sound might gravitate toward the polycarbonate option.
Despite these contrasting materials, it's important to note that both switches can offer satisfactory typing results dependent on individual user preference. If both switches were to be paired with similar keycaps or RGB lighting setups, the overall user experience could achieve a desirable balance of sound and feel. While users might notice distinct differences in sound profiles and feedback between the two types of housing material, those who appreciate a fuller sound can still find satisfaction in the crisper tones of the polycarbonate-covered Everglide model, making both switches viable options for varied typing styles and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it as medium-heavy. This means that the Tourmaline Blue, being the heavier option, provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In terms of extended typing sessions, the lighter Lotus (Heavy) switch may appeal to those who favor ease and comfort, allowing for longer durations without fatigue. Overall, while both switches are suitable for different preferences, the HMX Lotus is the lighter of the two, making it ideal for those seeking a less strenuous typing experience, whereas the Everglide Tourmaline Blue caters to users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue extends to 4 mm. This means that the Tourmaline Blue offers a longer travel distance, making it a preferable option for users who favor a more tactile sensation and a deeper key press. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter 3.5 mm distance, aligns more closely with the needs of gamers who prioritize quick response times and a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference — if you like a more decisive and tactile feel, the longer 4 mm distance of the Tourmaline Blue may be more suitable for you, while those who favor quicker actions may lean towards the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for its reduced travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 Lotus (Heavy) switch stands out with its bright and resonant acoustic profile, creating a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound is often appreciated by those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches produce a deep and thocky sound that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience. While the Lotus may be more suited to those who prefer a sharper sound, the Tourmaline Blue offers a nuanced and pleasant auditory quality that can appeal to a broader range of users, particularly in environments where a more subdued sound may be beneficial.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a super bouncy sensation with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, making every keystroke feel delightfully responsive and energetic. This quality can enhance typing speed and accuracy for those who enjoy a firmer feedback. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a buttery feel, characterized by a smooth and effortless keystroke experience, along with easy-to-press mechanics that require minimal force to activate. This makes the Tourmaline Blue very approachable for users looking for a more gentle typing experience, which can help alleviate finger fatigue over extended periods. The Tourmaline's lengthened spring also adds to the bouncy feel but may offer a different kind of engagement compared to the heavier weight of the Lotus.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique yet enjoyable typing experiences. The Lotus is ideal for those seeking a pronounced and energetic feedback with a bright sound, while the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users desiring a deeper sound and a smoother, effortless feel. While the general feel and sound differ, users will get similar results in terms of satisfying typing experiences, allowing them to choose according to their individual preferences in weight and sound profiles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a moderately weighted switch that provides a delightful bouncy feeling and a bright, resonant sound, then the Lotus (Heavy) would be your ideal choice. Its 62.5g actuation force makes it perfect for users who enjoy a balance of responsiveness and control without feeling overly burdensome. On the other hand, if you are looking for a deeper, thocky sound profile with a slightly heavier actuation force of 67g, the Tourmaline Blue is the switch for you. Its buttery feel and ease of pressing make it a great option for long typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard; the Lotus (Heavy) is excellent for an engaging yet controlled experience, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who appreciate a satisfying, immersive sound and feel.
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