HMX Blue Topaz vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Everglide Crystal Violet stand out with their unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with an effortless typing experience. Its glittering housing not only catches the eye but also adds a clacky sound signature to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a light operating force of 45g. With a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, these switches are ideal for those looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is characterized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Crystal Violet is categorized as 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Stepped'. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Crystal Violet both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating sharper, higher-pitched sounds, while the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. Despite the contrast in sound characteristics, both switches offer a transparent top housing that allows for the use of RGB lighting, showcasing their aesthetic appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Topaz uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, whereas the Crystal Violet incorporates an ABS bottom housing, which also contributes to a low-pitched sound profile. While the materials differ between the two switches, they both offer distinct sound qualities based on the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet maintains a consistent low-pitched sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Crystal Violet play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Blue Topaz features a stiffer polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing offers a lower-pitched sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz and the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contribute to their distinctive sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a low-pitched sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, we can see 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 Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Blue Topaz provides a lighter typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Blue Topaz may be the more suitable option. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a slightly heavier typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being slightly longer. Gamers may lean towards the Blue Topaz for its slightly shorter travel distance, which allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, known for its sharp and snappy response when pressed, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound, leaning towards the more mellow and bass-heavy end of the spectrum, offering a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience suitable for various environments. While the Blue Topaz gives a more distinct and percussive sound, the Crystal Violet switches offer a mellower and more neutral sound, catering to different preferences in switch sound profiles.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is characterized by an easy-to-press design, offering an effortless typing experience with minimal force required for activation. This results in a responsive and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is stepped, providing a more gradual tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump, enhancing the typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel.
In conclusion, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch excels in providing a clacky sound profile and an easy-to-press typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, coupled with a creamy and mild feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the user prioritizes a sharper sound with easy actuation or a mellow sound with a smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force, a creamy and mild typing feel with a stepped tactile sensation, and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Crystal Violet could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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