Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers users distinctly different typing experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile that creates an immersive and satisfying auditory environment. Its lengthened single-stage spring provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, while its standard spring weight makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of typists. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch emphasizes a heavier actuation with its unique PA12 top housing, designed to deliver softer acoustics, and a POM stem that produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination seeks to offer a refined and precise typing experience, appealing to users who value subtlety and sophistication in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing a buoyant feel and a rich sound profile, the other focusing on precision and acoustic clarity—choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and needs. 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
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the distinctive properties of polycarbonate and nylon become evident. The Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic not only delivers a clear and resonant auditory experience but also enhances the visual impact of RGB lighting due to its clear composition. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top and bottom housing. Nylon’s softer, more absorbent qualities produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory feedback. This fundamental difference creates distinct experiences for users who prioritize sound, feel, and aesthetic in their typing experience.
Moreover, the differences in materials influence how each switch feels and sounds during operation. The polycarbonate construction of the Tourmaline Blue delivers a pronounced bottom-out sound and a more resonant release noise when the key is released, making it ideal for those seeking a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) absorbs more sound, contributing to a thud-like bottom-out feel while providing a softer sound upon release. Thus, while the polycarbonate houses allow for clearer articulation of sounds, the nylon provides a comforting, plush typing experience. Users looking for dynamic sound profiles may prefer the Tourmaline Blue, while those seeking a more subdued feedback may gravitate towards the Xinhai (Heavy).
In cases where the switch design combines different housing materials, such as the Tourmaline Blue’s all-polycarbonate structure, the roles of each material become more pronounced. The unique properties of nylon versus polycarbonate mean that the effects of switching will not only be varied but also complementary if the housings are designed to work in tandem. In scenarios where similar designs, feel, and sound profiles are desired, both switches can be integrated to achieve a nuanced auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, whether one opts for the sharper sound of the Tourmaline Blue or the rounded output of the Xinhai (Heavy), the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials underscores the importance of material selection in enhancing the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a notable comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Tourmaline Blue features a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams, compared to the Xinhai's 55 grams, making the Xinhai the lighter option. This lower actuation force may cater to users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue also exceeds that of the Xinhai, with a force of 67 grams versus 62.5 grams, contributing to the Tourmaline's medium-heavy feel compared to the Xinhai's medium ranking. Thus, while both switches offer compelling options for different preferences—those desiring a more substantial typing experience should opt for the heavier Tourmaline Blue, while those favoring a lighter touch might prefer the Xinhai (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Tourmaline Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the traditional standard, offering a more substantial feel during keystrokes that some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who prioritize speedy response times, particularly gamers looking for efficiency in their key presses. This shorter travel can lead to a more abrupt feel, which might not suit everyone, especially those who favor a fuller depth in their typing experience. Thus, the Tourmaline Blue switch stands out as the longer option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is the shorter, reflecting the varying preferences among users regarding key travel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile that enhances the typing experience, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This neutral acoustic quality makes the switch suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is designed with a unique PA12 top housing that produces softer acoustics. The combination of its POM stem contributes to a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that suggests a more nuanced sound profile, potentially attracting users who appreciate delicate auditory subtleties. However, the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Tourmaline Blue is recognized for its buttery-smooth keystrokes and easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force and providing a gentle resistance that makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue. Its mild characteristics ensure an approachable typing experience that caters to a wide range of users, making it a solid choice for both novice and experienced typists. In contrast, specifics about the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remain unknown. It may offer a different tactile experience, but without definitive descriptors, users will have to try it to grasp its unique feel.
In summary, both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches feature distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to various preferences. The Tourmaline Blue excels with its thocky sound and buttery feel, while the Xinhai (Heavy) promises a blend of soft acoustic resonance and precision, though its tactile attributes remain to be explored. For users looking for a solid typing experience with clear auditory feedback, each switch offers its unique advantages, allowing newcomers to find their ideal match based on personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a richer auditory experience with a thocky sound profile while enjoying a balanced feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be the ideal choice—especially if you appreciate a slight bounce with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. This switch caters well to a wide range of people, from beginners to advanced users, making it suitable for both work and home environments. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that emphasizes precision and a crisper sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) is worth considering, especially with its lighter 62.5 grams bottom out force. The Xinhai switches are designed for those who value a more subdued auditory experience coupled with a refined performance, making them perfect if you're looking for a sophisticated typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your sound and feel preferences, as well as the environments in which you intend to use your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
