HMX Blue Topaz vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Mute Jade present contrasting options for different preferences. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, boasts a smooth actuation and light touch, making it easy to press and providing a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, offers a crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. While the Blue Topaz appeals to those who enjoy easy-to-press keys with a distinctive glitter housing, the Box Mute Jade is favored by users who appreciate a stiffer, accentuated keypress. 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
40g
Actuation force
75g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Mute Jade both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. However, despite these similarities, the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing may offer a slightly different sound experience compared to the Box Mute Jade, depending on the switch design and overall construction.
On the other hand, the Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Box Mute Jade also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities that nylon brings to the bottom housing, enhancing the overall typing experience with a richer sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in comparable sound experiences between the Blue Topaz and the Box Mute Jade.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Mute Jade may lead to subtle variations in sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they diverge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The split qualities of each housing material contribute to different aspects of the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. These distinctions highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Topaz make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Box Mute Jade provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes. With the Blue Topaz being lighter and the Box Mute Jade being heavier, users can choose the one that best suits their typing style and preference for force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Topaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance feels comfortable and responsive.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch produces a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, creating a unique and more subdued sound profile compared to traditional clicky switches. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, both switches offer distinctive sound signatures that can enhance or complement your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature that requires minimal force for actuation, resulting in a light and effortless typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during extended use. On the contrary, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet not subtle, along with a stiffer actuation force that may require more effort to press the keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the Box Mute Jade switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and providing a sleek key travel sensation. Ultimately, the feel of these switches will cater to different preferences in terms of tactility and resistance.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Blue Topaz switch provides a smooth actuation and clacky sound, while the Box Mute Jade switch offers a more subdued yet distinctive clicky sound and a tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter, smoother keypress, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice, while those who prefer a more tactile and crunchy feel with a quieter sound profile may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the key to finding the perfect switch lies in experimenting with different options to determine which one suits your typing style and preference best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a visually pleasing design, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy feel and a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider these factors carefully before making your final decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard.
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