HMX Perky vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Perky stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housings, delivering a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing feel, enhanced by its shorter travel distance that allows for quicker engagement. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a streamlined, efficient typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a deeper, thocky sound profile that adds an immersive auditory layer to your typing, along with a bouncy feel from its lengthened single-stage spring. This switch strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, appealing to a broad audience looking for a delightful and easy-to-press typing experience. Choosing between these two can depend on whether you prioritize the Perky's rapid response and compactness or the Tourmaline Blue’s rich sound and cushioned 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 Perky Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Perky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which result in varying sound profiles during typing. The Perky features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This material choice not only contributes to a more muted sound when typing but also fosters a softer overall feel. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, which is particularly advantageous for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing.

While both switches utilize different materials for their housings, each presents its unique aesthetic qualities that appeal to different preferences. The nylon housing of the Perky, while not as visually captivating, provides a sense of traditional durability and warmth in both sound and feel. On the other hand, the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue offers enhanced visual appeal, especially for users who wish to utilize RGB lighting. The inherent transparency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination effects, making it an attractive option for those seeking to make a statement with their keyboard setup. Thus, while the material choices lead to divergent auditory experiences, the visual impact of the Tourmaline Blue enhances its overall appeal.

Despite their material differences, both the HMX Perky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue can be tailored to suit specific preferences for sound and feel. If a user favors the rounder, softer sound characteristic of the Perky, they would likely appreciate the subdued auditory feedback it provides. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced sound may gravitate towards the sharper soundscape offered by the Tourmaline Blue. Furthermore, transitions between these switches can allow a user to enjoy the unique characteristics presented by each housing material. Ultimately, whether one opts for the nylon-rich warmth of the Perky or the vibrant clarity of the Tourmaline Blue, individualized preferences can still lead to an enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or longer gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. As a result, the Perky is well-suited for lighter use, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to preferences for more resistance and feedback. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, whereas the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be more appropriate for those who favor a heavier switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a clear difference: the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Perky is designed for those who favor quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking for rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a more traditional and hearty feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the shorter Perky switch would be more suitable, whereas those who appreciate deeper keystrokes would likely prefer the Tourmaline Blue.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Perky linear switch's tonal characteristics remain unspecified; however, it is typically anticipated to deliver a smooth and muted auditory experience in line with other linear switches, contributing to an isolated typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and "thocky" sound profile that greatly enhances the overall typing experience. This sound presentation not only immerses the user but also provides a satisfying auditory feedback that can be quite alluring. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound, but the Tourmaline Blue is likely to stand out in terms of acoustic presence.

In terms of feel, the sameness of the Perky's tactile experience remains unspecified, yet it is suggested that its design contributes to a typical smoothness found in linear switches. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its buttery smooth keystroke and ease of actuation. It provides gentle resistance, making it remarkably easy to press, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue over long typing sessions. The mild nature of the Tourmaline Blue offers an approachable typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists.

In summary, while the HMX Perky's sound and feel characteristics remain vague, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue delivers a defined auditory and tactile experience: a deep sound with a buttery, easy-to-press feel. For someone exploring mechanical switches, if the Perky can mirror these qualities, users would find a similarly satisfying typing experience. The distinction in sound profiles truly sets apart the two switches, with the Tourmaline Blue offering a more engaging auditory component. Therefore, while there might be shared attributes under specific conditions, the overall experience can differ notably, making it essential to consider personal preferences in sound and feel when selecting a switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter actuation force combined with a more compact typing experience, the Perky switches are an excellent choice. Their 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quick finger movements with reduced fatigue, making them particularly suitable for long typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a neutral sound profile that doesn't distract. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper, thocky feedback with a more pronounced sound and feel, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is your go-to. With a 67-gram actuation force, they provide a bouncier, more robust typing experience that many find satisfying and enjoyable. Their buttery feel and mild resistance cater to both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a nice balance of tactile feedback and sound. Ultimately, consider how you like to type, whether you favor a light touch or a more substantial keystroke, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an enhanced typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more