HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the BSUN Pine tactile switch offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out with its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, perfect for those who prefer easy-to-press keys and a satisfyingly clacky sound. On the other hand, the BSUN Pine provides a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, appealing to users who favor a more accented, invigorating typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Pine both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the housing material of the bottom of the switches, the Blue Topaz and the Pine differ. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This contrast in bottom housing material showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Blue Topaz creates a unique typing experience with a sharper sound profile on top and a fuller sound profile on the bottom. In comparison, the Pine offers a consistent sound profile throughout with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience, with each material contributing to the sound and feel of the switch in its own distinct way.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch reveals some clear differences. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Pine has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Topaz requires 48 grams, which is lighter compared to the Pine's 65 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Pine being slightly shorter than the Blue Topaz. Gamers may prefer the Pine for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Blue Topaz with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding keypress depth 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 Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 stands out for its distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is not specified, but it is essential to consider that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Blue Topaz is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth actuation with minimal force required, leading to a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is described as providing a unique typing experience with an accented tactile bump, invigorating feedback, sharp tactility, and a snappy feel, showcasing a medium tactile profile that offers a good balance between feedback intensity and actuation force.
In conclusion, both the Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a light and smooth keystroke experience with a clacky sound signature, while the Bsun Pine delivers a sharp tactile feedback and fast action for users who prefer a direct and responsive typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would largely depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, but rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying result depending on your requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a distinctive glittering aesthetic and clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and a direct, no-nonsense typing experience with accents of invigorating sharpness and snappiness, the Pine switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize smoothness, weight, sound, and feedback in your typing experience.
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