HMX Blue Topaz vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Coral, both linear switches. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing an easy-to-press experience with a clacky sound signature that is visually appealing. On the other hand, the Coral switch offers a distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, resulting in a silky typing experience that is both sophisticated and high-performing. While the Blue Topaz is known for its smoothness and clacky sound, the Coral excels in its crispness and low-pitched sound profile. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Coral both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboards. Though both switches share this feature, the difference in their bottom housings can lead to variations in sound and feel.
The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Similarly, the Jerrzi Coral's nylon bottom housing provides the same qualities, contributing to a consistent typing experience that is both satisfying and quieter. The use of nylon as a housing material on the bottom part of the switch ensures a pleasant typing sound that resonates with users.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the distribution of these materials affects the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Despite these differences, the similarities in material composition between the Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Coral ensure that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and typing experience, making both switches ideal choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the bottom out force of the Coral switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Blue Topaz is the lighter option with a lower bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for long periods of time. On the other hand, the Coral switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its unknown bottom out force, which may be preferred by those who like a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. The Blue Topaz is slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Coral, making it slightly more suited for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press. However, the 0.2 mm difference between the two switches may not be significant enough to make a noticeable difference in feel for most users. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that provides a balanced typing 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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral 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, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This adds a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a lower-pitched resonance that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This lightweight actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Jerrzi Coral linear switch, on the other hand, is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The distinctively crisp feel of the Coral switch adds a touch of sophistication to the typing experience while maintaining stellar performance.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Jerrzi Coral linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Jerrzi Coral stands out for its lower-pitched resonance and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharp, bright sound or a mellow, bass-heavy tone, as well as a light or silky smooth typing feel, you can achieve similar satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and a lightweight feel with a distinctive clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance that offers a balanced mix of sophistication and performance, then the Coral switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you before making a decision.
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