HMX Blue Topaz vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear switches worth considering are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Elf. The Blue Topaz captures attention with its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, allowing for effortless keystrokes, while its distinctive glittery housing and clacky sound signature add an appealing visual and auditory dimension to daily use. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches, featuring a POK top housing, excel in providing a rich, deep sound profile alongside a medium-light actuation force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate acoustic feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Blue Topaz for those who favor a lively, tactile experience and eye-catching aesthetics, and the Elf for users who seek a more subdued yet immersive sound. 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
42g
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
3.60 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
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Elf exhibit both similarities and contrasts that contribute to their overall sound and performance profile. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, enabling it to deliver a resonant sound profile that complements the RGB lighting aesthetic. In contrast, the Huano Elf uses POK material for its top housing. While POK is regarded as one of the smoothest materials available and offers exceptional durability, it does not have the same acoustic properties as polycarbonate. The POK material may render a smooth and somewhat clacky sound, but it lacks the translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects, a distinct advantage of the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top.
Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which underscores their shared characteristics. This type of housing is a classic choice for linear and tactile switches, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Since nylon is inherently softer, it enhances the overall tactile and auditory experience when typing. In the case of both the Blue Topaz and the Elf, the nylon material will provide a similar bottom-out feel, contributing to the subdued and rounded sounds typically associated with switches that utilize nylon in their lower housing. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the shared nylon base means that users can expect a consistent, rich sound profile as they depress the keys.
The unique interplay between the different materials used in the Blue Topaz and Huano Elf directly impacts their auditory characteristics and tactile feedback. While the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top ensures a vibrant, clear sound when keys are released, the Elf's POK top may slightly dampen this high-frequency response but enhance the smoothness of the keystroke experience. With both switches leveraging nylon in the bottom housing, users will still encounter that familiar and desirable roundness in sound and feel upon actuation. Ultimately, despite the distinctions in the top housing materials, users can achieve a pleasing typing experience across both switches due to the classic properties of nylon as the bottom housing material, which anchors the overall performance of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Blue Topaz features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Elf requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, while its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option overall, providing a softer feel that may appeal to those who prioritize comfort, especially during long periods of use, such as at work or during gaming. Conversely, the Huano Elf's higher actuation force may offer a slightly more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, if the bottom out force of the Elf were known, it could provide further insights into its typing experience; however, as it stands, users might lean towards the lighter Blue Topaz for prolonged sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there is a notable difference in performance characteristics. The Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This positions the Huano Elf as the more responsive option, which may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz, with its longer 3.9 mm distance, provides a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and speed, the Elf would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper engagement may lean toward the Blue Topaz. Overall, the two switches present distinct experiences based on their travel distances, with the Elf being the shorter and more responsive option and the Blue Topaz offering a lengthier and potentially more satisfying 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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 characterized by its clacky tone, producing a sharp, crisp sound with each keystroke that can be very engaging and tactile for users. This lively auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more responsive and satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch features a deep sound signature due to its POK top housing, which may lend a more subdued and rich auditory quality to the typing experience. While the Blue Topaz brings a brightness to the sound profile, the Elf offers a warmer resonance, creating different atmospheres depending on the switch choice.
Regarding feel, the Blue Topaz is known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight design, making it a pleasure to type on. The easy-to-press characteristics contribute to an effortless typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue over long sessions. The Huano Elf switch, while also linear, has a medium-light feel, which might not be quite as light as the Blue Topaz but still offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Both switches ultimately provide a responsive feel, albeit with slightly different levels of resistance that may cater to individual preferences.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz and Huano Elf switches offer unique experiences in both sound and feel. The Blue Topaz’s clacky sound and lightweight, effortless actuation make it a standout for users who enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel provide a different yet still enjoyable alternative. Both switches cater to the needs of users seeking smooth linearity, making them excellent choices depending on specific auditory and tactile preferences. Whether one values crisp, bright sounds or prefers a deeper resonance, both switches will deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Elf linear switch largely comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally light feel and smooth actuation—perfect for typing marathon sessions or fast-paced gaming—the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice with its 48 grams of bottom-out force and visually appealing glitzy housing. The clacky sound signature adds a fun auditory aspect, making each keystroke feel crisp and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a minimalist, less pronounced sound profile alongside a medium-light typing feel, the Huano Elf may be the right fit for you, especially if you're focused on creating a deeper acoustic experience while typing. Although we lack specific data on its bottom-out force, the Elf is designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. Thus, the key factor is what kind of feedback you enjoy while typing—whether you want the engaging response of the Blue Topaz or the subtle pleasure offered by the Huano Elf. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, and the best choice hinges on what you value most in your keyboard experience.
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