HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Deep Navy each offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its lightweight feel and super smooth actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a breezy typing experience. Its eye-catching glittery housing not only stands out aesthetically but also contributes to a clacky sound signature that can add an engaging auditory element to typing. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch captures attention with its full nylon construction, providing a rich, sharp sound profile that is both immersive and satisfying. Coupled with the silky smoothness of its Ly stem, the Deep Navy appeals to users who prioritize durability and a refined tactile feedback. While the Blue Topaz is great for those who enjoy a lighter, more playful typing sound, the Deep Navy suits individuals who prefer a robust auditory experience and reliability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Deep Navy feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Blue Topaz utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Deep Navy opts for nylon in its top housing, a softer plastic that absorbs sound and thereby generates a deeper, fuller audio experience. The contrasting materials mean that while the Blue Topaz may deliver more pronounced and resonant sounds suitable for precise auditory feedback, the Deep Navy leans towards a more rounded and mellow acoustic signature.

Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which leads to similarities in how they handle sound at the bottom-out point. The characteristics of nylon create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this material absorbs sound better than harder plastics. As both the Blue Topaz and Deep Navy utilize nylon for their bottom housings, players can expect a similar foundation in terms of sound and feel when actuating the keys. The shared nylon bottom will contribute to a consistent tactile experience across both switches, emphasizing the softer and more muted qualities inherent in nylon.

The differences in top housing materials between the Blue Topaz and Deep Navy highlight the balance between their acoustic properties. While the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top will result in a bright and crisp sound upon key release, the Deep Navy's nylon top will provide a softer and more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, if users are looking for a specific sound profile, the choice comes down to a preference for either the brightness of the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate or the warmth of the Deep Navy's nylon. Ultimately, when evaluating the overall auditory experience, the combination of different materials in both the top and bottom housings will create unique tonal qualities for each switch.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Deep Navy linear switches, both exhibit an actuation force of 40 grams, making them lightweight options that facilitate extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force differs slightly; the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Deep Navy's is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force and provide a similar trigger feel, the Blue Topaz offers a more substantial response when pressing all the way down, appealing to those who prefer a heavier push feel. In contrast, the Deep Navy may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter overall key press. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for lighter typing experiences, but the Blue Topaz offers a bit more resistance at the bottom out stage.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Deep Navy linear switches, we find that the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Deep Navy measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz the longer option by 0.3 mm. Users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys might be inclined to choose the Blue Topaz for its greater travel distance, which provides a more hearty depth. In contrast, the Deep Navy's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times, as it allows for quicker key presses and less travel effort. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences—depth versus responsiveness—the HMX Blue Topaz stands out for those who enjoy a more traditional and tactile experience, whereas the HMX Deep Navy offers a more streamlined feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing sharp and snappy noises with each keystroke. This crisp, bright, and percussive audio experience can create a lively atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, crafted with a full nylon construction, boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, though specific descriptors for its sound weren't provided. The acoustic results can also vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices, but generally, both switches lend themselves to unique auditory experiences that can be enjoyable for different preferences.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX Blue Topaz is particularly notable for its easy-to-press design. This means it requires minimal force to activate, making typing feel effortless and reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. The gentle resistance during key presses enhances the overall comfort and responsiveness associated with this switch. The HMX Deep Navy linear switch, on the other hand, is celebrated for its silky smoothness, predominantly attributed to the Ly stem. While the detailed tactile feedback isn't presented for the Deep Navy, silkiness often implies a pleasurable gliding sensation upon activation.

In summary, the HMX Blue Topaz and Deep Navy linear switches both offer unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz leans towards a delightful auditory experience with its clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Deep Navy presents a rich tonal quality paired with a smooth keystroke experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, making them worthy contenders for users seeking distinct mechanical keyboard experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize auditory punch and ease of pressure, or a sleek, smooth typing sensation combined with rich sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches should ultimately be guided by your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you favor a smooth, lightweight feel coupled with a visually striking appearance and a clacky sound profile, then the Blue Topaz is your go-to option. Its vibrant design and gentle resistance make every keystroke feel effortless, perfect for long typing sessions or a lively gaming atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more subdued yet rich auditory experience, along with the unparalleled smoothness of the full nylon construction, the Deep Navy switches are an excellent choice. They provide a unique sound profile that enhances your overall typing or gaming experience. So, consider whether you lean towards the vibrant, engaging feel of the Blue Topaz or the sophisticated smoothness of the Deep Navy as you decide on the switch that best fits your style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more