HMX EMO vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it effortless and bouncy for typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a lengthened single-stage spring for a satisfying typing experience. While the EMO switch is best categorized as bouncy, the Tourmaline Blue falls under categories such as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Deciding between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing design. Both switches will likely provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The EMO utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX EMO and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the difference in bottom housing material will influence the typing experience. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound profile from nylon or a sharper and crisper sound profile from polycarbonate, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier forces required. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the EMO would be the ideal choice. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel and more significant tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue would be more suitable. In both cases, the actuation force dictates the initial key press, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm travel distance. The EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press depth for those who prefer a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 EMO comes in at $3.49 per 10 switches.
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
Overall, when comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a unique typing experience suited to different preferences. The EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. In terms of sound, the Tourmaline Blue is described as having a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, while the sound of the EMO switch is unknown. As for feel, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation for reduced finger fatigue, while the feel of the EMO switch is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a lively, clacky feel, the HMX EMO switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your specific preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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