HMX Blue Topaz vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Royal offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Topaz is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, creating a seamless typing experience. With its distinctive glitter housing and clacky sound signature, it provides both visual and auditory satisfaction for users. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal is a tactile switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, perfect for those seeking a pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Although these switches are categorized differently - the Blue Topaz as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky' while the Box Royal as 'Sharp' and 'High-pitched' - both have their own unique advantages. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz produces a sharper sound compared to the Box Royal's nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Royal utilize nylon for this component. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the impact of this material will be felt differently depending on which housing - top or bottom - you are interacting with when typing. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience with subtle differences between the switches.
In conclusion, while the Blue Topaz and the Kailh Box Royal both use nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profiles. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. Conversely, the Kailh Box Royal's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing a more rounded and duller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences of the user.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a much heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz will be easier to press and requires less force to register a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the travel distance spectrum, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times when typing or gaming. However, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Box Royal, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their relatively short travel distances, providing similar results in terms of speed and responsiveness.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is sharp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound that is crisp and sharp. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, with the Blue Topaz offering a more clacky sound while the Box Royal delivers a higher-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch boasts an easy-to-press quality, providing minimal resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a sharp tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and distinct with each key press. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that caters to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz focusing on a smooth and light typing experience while the Box Royal provides a more aggressive tactility.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Box Royal offers a sharp and aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother typing experience with a clacky sound or a more tactile feel with a higher-pitched sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a visually appealing design and clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile switch with a sharp feedback intensity and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal would be a better fit. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs.
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