HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cheese, both linear switches. The Blue Topaz is favored for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze while also offering a visually and audibly pleasing experience with its glitter-infused housing and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Cheese switch does not have any specific categorization listed. These general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cheese differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz is better suited for creating bright and clear sound profiles, whereas the nylon top housing of the Cheese creates a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cheese utilize nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing, users can expect a more resonant and rounded sound compared to harder plastic materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches suggests that the manufacturers prioritize a deeper and more impactful sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. While there may be slight differences in sound due to other factors, such as keycap material or stabilizers, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience across both the Blue Topaz and the Cheese switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. While the Blue Topaz and the Cheese switches both aim to enhance the typing experience with unique sound profiles, their housing materials offer distinct characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz provides a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users looking for a bright and clear typing experience, while the nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a fuller and deeper sound, catering to those who prefer a more rounded sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and resonant bottom-out sound for users of either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear 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 Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter category, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The difference in forces between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Topaz and Cheese switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Cheese switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Topaz. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a more traditional and deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Blue Topaz providing a bit more depth and the Cheese offering a quicker response.
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 HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the HMX Cheese linear switch is currently unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the feel of the HMX Cheese linear switch.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its super smooth actuation, lightweight feel, clacky sound signature, and easy-to-press nature. On the other hand, while information is lacking about the HMX Cheese linear switch's sound and feel, it is known to offer unparalleled smoothness, a pristine typing experience, and an ultra-lightweight design that sets it apart from other switches. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and light typing experience, either option could provide similar results, so it may come down to personal preference and which sound profile you prefer.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a distinctive glittery housing and clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, then the Cheese switch might be more suitable. Both switches offer a light bottom out force, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prioritize and enjoy the most.
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