HMX Lucky vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as excellent options for those seeking a linear typing experience. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its soft, glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying feel that appeals to users who appreciate a lightweight design. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is known for its distinct deep and thocky sound profile, which enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue features a lengthened single-stage spring that delivers a bouncy feel, making it particularly enjoyable for users who prefer a bit of extra feedback without compromising accessibility. While both switches have their unique characteristics – the Lucky offering a more subtle and neutral typing experience, and the Tourmaline Blue delivering a robust sound and bounce – they cater to slightly different preferences in typing style and sensory feedback. 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 Lucky Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue serve to create distinct auditory experiences despite the fact that they both aim to enhance typing satisfaction. The Lucky utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller auditory profile. This softer plastic contributes to a more muted and rounded sound, making it ideal for users looking for a softer, quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features polycarbonate in its top and bottom housings, which yields a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. The contrast in materials results in distinctive sound characteristics, with nylon promoting a rich bass response while polycarbonate leans toward treble clarity.

On a technical level, the differences in sound profiles stem from the inherent properties of nylon and polycarbonate. The Lucky's nylon construction not only dampens sound but also creates a tactile experience that feels less harsh, making it suitable for prolonged use without harsh auditory feedback. The deeper sound profile could be more comforting for typists who prefer a traditional feel and auditory feedback from their keystrokes. Conversely, the polycarbonate construction in the Everglide Tourmaline Blue allows for a vibrant and resonant typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a more tactile and audible interaction with their keyboards. The clear nature of the polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic possibilities, especially for users interested in RGB lighting effects that shine through the more translucent material.

Despite these differences, the interplay between the top and bottom housings—regardless of material—affects overall typing experience and sound when actuating each switch. The bottom housing is crucial in defining the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound during key release. This means that while the Lucky offers a normalized sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue introduces a more dynamic sound experience, both capable of providing a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences. In essence, users will obtain different results from each switch, allowing them to choose based on whether they prefer the soft warmth of nylon or the sharpness of polycarbonate, but the impact of each material within the overall construction of the switch will ultimately shape their unique experiences.

Weight

The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present different preferences for users based on their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a medium-heavy 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 satisfying typing experience. While both switches serve distinct needs, the Lucky switch stands out as the lighter option, whereas the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who enjoy a heavier tactile feedback. Overall, users should choose based on their comfort preferences—lighter for endurance and heavier for a more tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly, with the Lucky measuring 3.8 mm and the Tourmaline Blue at 4 mm. This makes the HMX Lucky the shorter travel option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While a shorter travel distance often corresponds to a more responsive feel, some users may find that the extra millimeter in the Tourmaline Blue offers a more satisfying depth for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference—whether one prefers a swift, responsive key press or a more pronounced and deliberate typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by its neutral acoustic profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or work. This neutrality allows users to enjoy a typing experience without distracting noise, making it an excellent option for both beginners and advanced typists alike. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a deep and thocky sound profile, which immerses users in a more resonant auditory experience. This more pronounced sound can add a layer of satisfaction for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, although it may be more noticeable in quieter environments. Ultimately, both switches can produce pleasant auditory experiences dependent on the board and keycap choices, with the Lucky being more subdued and the Tourmaline Blue offering a richer tone.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch provides a lightweight and deeply satisfying typing experience due to its softer nylon housings. The neutral feel of the switch promotes a comfortable typing experience that doesn't demand excessive effort, making it a great choice for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is engineered with a lengthened single-stage spring, which results in a bouncy feel that enhances each keystroke. Described as buttery and easy-to-press, these switches facilitate smooth, fluid keystrokes and require minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue over extended periods. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue make it approachable, offering a typing experience that caters to a wide audience.

In conclusion, while both switches excel in offering pleasant typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The HMX Lucky is more suited for those who value soft and neutral sensations without auditory distractions, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue appeals to users who seek a bouncy and thocky sound combined with a buttery smoothness. Whichever you choose, both switches promise an enjoyable experience; understanding their qualities can help you determine which aligns more closely with your typing style and environment.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits should guide your choice. If you favor a lighter touch and a deeply satisfying neutral typing experience, the HMX Lucky switch is an excellent option. This switch excels in providing a comfortable feel with its lightweight actuation and softer nylon housing, making it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions or if you are prone to finger fatigue. It's perfect for casual use, whether at home or in an office environment, as its sound profile remains unobtrusive and won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance and a bouncy, tactile feel with a rich sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch might be more appealing to you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and buttery keystroke offer a distinct typing experience, rich in thocky sounds that some enthusiasts crave. This switch strikes a fine balance, making it a rewarding choice for both newcomers and seasoned typists who appreciate a more robust feedback while typing. In summary, choose the HMX Lucky for a lighter, soothing touch and an unobtrusive sound, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a more engaging, pronounced typing sensation.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more