HMX SU vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX SU and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX SU linear switch is celebrated for its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that appeals to users who appreciate a refined auditory experience while typing. Its relatively smooth action suits those who prefer a more understated feel, making it an excellent option for both gaming and office work. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, which adds a layer of immersion to the typing experience that many find gratifying. With a lengthened single-stage spring, the Tourmaline Blue provides a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, striking an enjoyable balance with its standard spring weight that caters to a broader audience. Both switches offer unique benefits; the HMX SU is ideal for those seeking subtlety while the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users who relish a more pronounced 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
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-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX SU and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, significant differences emerge in both the top and bottom housing, affecting the overall sound profile and tactile feedback the switches produce. The HMX SU utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material that is renowned for its softer texture. This softness contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, dampening vibrations and resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances sound clarity, lending itself to a sharper and crisper output. This divergence in materials ensures that the two switches deliver distinctly different auditory sensations during use.
Furthermore, the impact of these materials on the user experience cannot be understated. With the nylon housings of the HMX SU, users can expect a nuanced typing experience characterized by a muted sound and a cushioned feel. This softer approach can be particularly appealing for those seeking a quieter environment. In contrast, the polycarbonate housings of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provide a more pronounced auditory feedback, making every keystroke feel more resonant and lively. The clear nature of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic advantages, especially for setups using RGB lighting, balancing visual appeal with functionality. This aspect could draw users toward the Tourmaline Blue, particularly if vibrancy in both sound and lighting is a priority.
Despite their differences, the HMX SU and Everglide Tourmaline Blue will provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit through distinct auditory pathways. If one were to integrate both switches within a keyboard, the alternating sound profiles could create a unique typing environment that engages users differently with each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference: whether one favors the rich, muted tones of nylon or the sharp, resonant clarity of polycarbonate. For users who value sound quality and responsiveness, experimenting with these two materials could yield satisfying and varied results within the same keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the HMX SU linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX SU features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some typists and gamers might favor for a more tactile experience. This means that while the HMX SU caters to those who appreciate ease of typing, the Tourmaline Blue is suited for individuals seeking a firmer resistance. Therefore, if users favor a lighter switch that minimizes strain during extended use, the HMX SU would be a better choice, while those preferring a more robust keystroke experience might gravitate toward the Tourmaline Blue.
Travel distance
The HMX SU linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper keypress, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Conversely, the SU's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive switch, the HMX SU would be the preferred option due to its quicker actuation. However, if you favor a more pronounced key travel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its additional 0.4 mm travel distance, might be the better choice for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the HMX SU linear switch is characterized as subtle and relatively deep, providing a pleasing auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. Its construction from a full PA12 housing contributes to this well-rounded sound, ensuring that each keystroke resonates with a quality tone that isn’t overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deeper and "thocky" sound, which creates an immersive and enjoyable typing experience. The auditory feedback from the Tourmaline Blues tends to lean towards a more pronounced sound, enhancing the overall satisfaction during use. While both switches provide pleasant sound experiences, the choice between the subtlety of the SU and the more pronounced thocky profile of the Tourmaline Blue will ultimately depend on personal preference.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX SU is noted for a smooth keystroke experience; however, specific descriptors regarding its exact tactile feedback are missing. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is recognized for its buttery smoothness, allowing for a fluid typing experience that feels effortless. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blues feature a gentle actuation that minimizes resistance, making them easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This mild typing sensation sets the Tourmaline Blues apart as a user-friendly option that caters to a wide audience, providing comfort and responsiveness that enhances the typing experience.
In summary, both the HMX SU and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches deliver enjoyable sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The SU offers a subtle and deeper sound, while the Tourmaline Blue boasts a thocky and immersive auditory experience. On the feel front, while the SU is smooth, the Tourmaline Blue excels with its buttery, easy-to-press nature. Ultimately, your choice between these options will depend on your personal inclinations towards sound and tactile feedback, with both switches promising a satisfying typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX SU linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a subtle sound profile, the HMX SU switch may be your best bet. Its low bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are priorities. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more robust typing experience and enjoy a deeper sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its 67-gram bottom-out force, would suit you well. This switch offers a satisfying thocky sound and a bouncy feel, giving you a sense of feedback with each stroke that could enhance your typing enjoyment. The Tourmaline Blue’s buttery, easy-to-press design also makes it versatile for various users, whether you’re a beginner looking for a dependable switch or an experienced typist seeking warmth and depth in your keystrokes. In essence, consider the HMX SU for light, comfortable use and the Tourmaline Blue for a richer auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice reflects your individual needs, enhancing your keyboard experience to align best with your preferences.
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