HMX Blue Topaz vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flame Red both stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its distinctive glitter housing that adds a visual and auditory delight with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Flame Red, also a linear switch, offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a polished and neutral typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is ideal for those seeking an easy-to-press switch with a clacky feel, the Flame Red is the go-to choice for those who prioritize a backlit, RGB keyboard with a smooth and polished typing experience. 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
54g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flame Red, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon bottom housing will play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate material while the Flame Red utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in top housing materials between the two switches will likely result in distinct sound profiles, with the Blue Topaz offering a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flame Red switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, providing a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the use of polycarbonate in the Blue Topaz's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Flame Red's deeper and fuller sound from its nylon top housing. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. The Blue Topaz is lighter overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions and extended gaming use. On the other hand, the Flame Red provides a bit more resistance, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, so regardless of the force difference, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Flame Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Blue Topaz for this reason. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press feel may opt for the Flame Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 switch offers a distinctively clacky experience with sharp and snappy key presses, providing a crisp and bright tone that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch delivers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments with its moderate actuation force requirement. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, as both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a mild typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, allowing for a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Flame Red switch adds a smooth and refined touch to the overall typing experience, enhancing the key travel and reducing friction for a sleek feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flame Red switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, the Flame Red offers a more neutral sound and a mild, polished typing experience. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, sound, or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch, both options are reliable choices that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. It's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting between these two switches to ensure a customized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a lightweight feel with super smooth actuation and enjoy a clacky sound profile, then the Blue Topaz switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a visually stunning switch with a weighty smoothness, a clacky sound profile, and the added bonus of a dazzling light diffuser for RGB lighting, then the Flame Red switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer an easy-to-press switch with a bright sound or a mild switch with a polished feel that appeals to a wider range of users. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so make your choice based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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