HMX Blue Topaz vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, accompanied by a distinctive glitter housing that adds a visual and auditory appeal with its clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple from TTC offers a resonant character and a slightly bassier sound signature, giving each keystroke a poppy undertone. With its feathery nature and low bottom-out force, it provides swift and effortless typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Flaming Purple is described as bassy, feathery, low-pitched, resonant, and silky. 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
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flaming Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches utilize the translucency of polycarbonate to enhance the RGB lighting. While both switches share these similarities in their top housing material, they differ in their nylon bottom housings. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on the HMX Blue Topaz, the impact of the nylon bottom housing can be felt through the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the TTC Flaming Purple also showcases this split between the top and bottom housings, with the nylon bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and the polycarbonate top housing impacting the sound upon key release. This distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience with distinct characteristics for each switch.
In summary, the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Flaming Purple share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, contributing to a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. However, they differ in their nylon bottom housings, with each switch offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the unique properties of nylon. Overall, both switches provide a unique typing experience with a blend of characteristics from their top and bottom housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Blue Topaz at 48 grams and the Flaming Purple at 47 grams. This means that both switches provide a relatively similar typing experience in terms of force requirements. The lighter actuation force of the Blue Topaz may appeal to those who prefer a feather-light touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Flaming Purple may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing 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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. The Blue Topaz's slightly longer travel distance may provide a bit more cushion compared to the Flaming Purple, which could feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the level of keypress depth and responsiveness desired. Overall, both switches offer similar travel distances, so users can expect comparable results in terms of feel and performance.
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 Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier sound profile with a touch of poppy undertone, adding an engaging auditory flair to each keypress. This difference in sound characteristics gives users a distinct auditory experience with each switch, catering to different preferences based on their sound preference. However, both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a lightweight and smooth actuation that makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its feathery nature, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and providing a light actuation force that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience, allowing users to type with ease and comfort for extended periods.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Blue Topaz provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Flaming Purple offers a bassier sound profile and a feathery touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Additionally, both switches are lightweight and smooth, making them ideal choices for enthusiasts and daily typists alike, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, then the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. Its distinctive glittery housing and clacky sound signature offer a visually and audibly delightful typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a resonant sound profile and a touch of bass undertones, the Flaming Purple could be the better fit. With its feathery nature and slightly heavier bottom-out force compared to the Blue Topaz, the Flaming Purple offers a swift and engaging typing experience for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what aspects of typing experience matter most to you before making a decision.
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