HMX Blue Topaz vs. Zuoce Bubblegum
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Zuoce Bubblegum both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. Its glittery housing not only catches the eye but also produces a satisfying clacky sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bubblegum switch, also a linear switch, impresses with its vibrant colorways and delivers a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, perfect for enthusiasts looking to explore new possibilities in their keyboard setup. Both switches offer a 'Clacky' typing experience, but the Bubblegum is also described as 'Bouncy'. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM+SL
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Zuoce Bubblegum, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound quality. In contrast, the Bubblegum's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Blue Topaz offers a crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Bubblegum provides a unique and pleasing sound profile with its POM top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the Blue Topaz and the Bubblegum utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, offering a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound quality. While the top housing materials differ between the Blue Topaz and the Bubblegum, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Zuoce Bubblegum ultimately affects the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While the Blue Topaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the Bubblegum features a POM top housing for a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer the distinct sound of the Blue Topaz or the unique sound of the Bubblegum, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Bubblegum slightly lighter in both categories. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch would provide a comfortable feel. However, for users who prefer a slightly firmer push feel, the Blue Topaz may be the better option as it requires slightly more force to bottom out. Overall, both switches offer a light typing experience, with the Bubblegum being slightly lighter in comparison.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular among users seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers. The Blue Topaz is slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Bubblegum, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive keypress or a slightly longer, more tactile experience.
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 Zuoce Bubblegum has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bubblegum for $2.30.
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, both the Blue Topaz and Bubblegum switches offer a clacky typing experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp, bright, and percussive. This auditory sensation adds an element of satisfaction to typing, creating a pleasing feedback for users. As such, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required for activation. This lightweight feel makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Bubblegum switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to keystrokes. Depending on your preference for key feel, you may find the easy-to-press nature of the Blue Topaz more appealing or the bouncy feedback of the Bubblegum more engaging.
In conclusion, both the Blue Topaz and Bubblegum switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz excels in smooth actuation and a lightweight feel, while also offering a visually striking glitter housing and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bubblegum switch stands out with its captivating colorways and bouncy key feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for those looking for a more dynamic feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and design aesthetics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Blue Topaz if you prefer a super smooth actuation and a lightweight feel, along with a visually and audibly pleasing experience due to its distinctive glitter housing and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, select the Bubblegum if you are drawn to its captivating colorways and enjoy a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, perfect for those looking to explore innovative options in the mechanical keyboard world. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a breezy typing experience with a touch of elegance (Blue Topaz) or a lively and colorful typing adventure (Bubblegum).
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