HMX Swift vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. It is often described as 'clacky', 'feathery', and 'bouncy'. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke and is categorized as 'buttery', 'mild', and 'neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing preferences. 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 Swift Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Swift and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom parts. The Swift uses a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences while typing on these switches, catering to different preferences in sound output.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material. The Swift and Tourmaline Blue both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound output. Despite having different top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound characteristics.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile experienced by users. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique tactile and auditory experience when interacting with these switches. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Swift or the sharper and crispier sound of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue, each housing material brings its own distinct qualities to enhance the typing experience for users with varying preferences in sound output.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter overall. The Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. The Swift would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the Tourmaline Blue would suit individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push. Those looking for a similar typing experience should opt for switches with comparable actuation and bottom out forces to achieve the desired result. Overall, the weight of a switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for long typing sessions and heavier switches providing a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Swift. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Swift being slightly on the shallower side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the Swift may be a better option for them. However, some people may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case the Tourmaline Blue with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its unique deeper sound profile, providing a silky smooth typing experience with a delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Swift has a clacky sound signature, while the Tourmaline Blue is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

Moving on to the feel, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation that is comfortable for extended use. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering low-impact key presses with different levels of feedback and tactile response.

Overall, the HMX Swift and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Swift emphasizes a deeper and smoother sound with its lighter actuation force, the Tourmaline Blue provides a bouncy and uniform feel with its lengthened spring. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and feathery sensation of the Swift or the buttery and mild feel of the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper, silky sound profile, the HMX Swift switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a thocky, bouncy sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider your typing style and sound preference when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Swift and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches depends on your individual preferences for actuation force and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more