HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the decision can often come down to personal preference and typing style. Two noteworthy options are the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its exquisite materials that create a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, complemented by HMX's renowned factory lube. Characterized as polished, bouncy, silky, and resonant, it provides a refined typing experience that's perfect for those who appreciate a tactile affirmation without the distraction of a click. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep, thocky sound profile that immerses users in a truly satisfying typing journey. Featuring a longer single-stage spring, these switches deliver a bouncy feel and are designed with accessibility in mind, making them enjoyable for a wide range of users, categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their unique advantages, making it essential to consider what matters most to you in a keyboard experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 HMX Sunset Gleam and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, the top housing material reveals an interesting parallel. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a material revered for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for clarity and resonance in sound, which is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate precision in keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory experiences from the top housing of both the Sunset Gleam and the Tourmaline Blue, making them well-suited for customizable keyboard lighting displays.
Contrasting the bottom housing materials highlights a significant difference between the two switches. The Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer qualities, which lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This gives the switch a more rounded auditory experience that can absorb sound effectively, producing a more muted and pleasant bottom-out sound. In stark contrast, the Tourmaline Blue employs a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which reinforces the high-pitched and clear sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate. As a result, the Tourmaline Blue’s overall sound experience remains sharper and more pronounced compared to the Sunset Gleam, which offers a more robust and muted keystroke sound.
Ultimately, the differing contributions from each housing material lead to unique sound profiles for the Sunset Gleam and the Tourmaline Blue, while their similar top housing ensures compatibility in aesthetic function. Users who prioritize a crisper high-end sound may gravitate towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, whilst those seeking a fuller and deeper keystroke experience may prefer the HMX Sunset Gleam. The interaction between the two materials in each switch allows for a richer tactile experience as well as a distinct auditory signature tailored to individual preferences. Thus, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on the desired sound and feel during typing, despite the shared use of polycarbonate in the tops.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present a stark contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer typing experience suitable for prolonged usage, whether for work or extended gaming sessions. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing sensation. This difference hints at the overall experience each switch provides; while the Sunset Gleam is considered lighter and more forgiving, the Tourmaline Blue offers a firmer push feel for users who appreciate a greater resistance. As a result, users can select between these switches based on their preferences for typing weight and the tactile experience they seek.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Sunset Gleam, you'll experience a more responsive keystroke, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers who prefer quick, snappy actions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with its additional half millimeter, may provide a more satisfying depth of travel for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel when typing. Consequently, the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option, appealing to those seeking faster response times, whereas the Tourmaline Blue is the longer option, catering to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch presents a resonant auditory experience, characterized by a higher-pitched yet clean and sharp profile. This can provide an immersive backdrop for your typing sessions, enthralling users with its clarity and distinctiveness. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a more neutral sound profile, striking a balance that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. It doesn't lean towards a specific tonal quality but instead maintains a moderate actuation force requiring no extreme auditory feedback, appealing to both beginners and seasoned users alike.
In terms of feel, the Sunset Gleam excels with its polished, bouncy, and silky characteristics. This smooth and refined finish means that you can expect reduced friction, allowing for swift key travel that feels luxurious under your fingers. The bouncy feedback enhances the typing experience by providing a lively sensation in every keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue brings an easy-to-press quality along with a mild typing experience, ensuring that key presses require minimal force, which can be especially beneficial for extensive typing sessions. This switch accommodates a gentle resistance that makes the actuation straightforward and comfortable, which might appeal to users looking for a more laid-back typing experience.
In summary, while both the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel, each has its strengths. The Sunset Gleam's resonant sound and polished feel may attract those who enjoy a lively and refined typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue's neutral sound and mild, easy-to-press texture offer a versatile choice for users seeking comfort and approachability. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and tactile sensations, as both switches promise to deliver enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a polished, silky feel and enjoy a resonant sound profile, the Sunset Gleam might be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth key travel and factory lube enhance the typing experience, making it great for gaming or rapid typing without the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more robust typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and a deep, thocky sound, the Tourmaline Blue could be more suitable. Its bouncy feel and mild sound profile offer a balance that caters to a broader range of users, making it versatile for both home and work environments. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing feel and sound matter most to you, as both switches deliver distinct experiences tailored to different needs.
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