HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Glory Yellow offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz, known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, provides a delightful typing experience, enhanced by its eye-catching glitter housing and a clacky sound signature that appeals to both the visual and auditory senses. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, being the heavier option, boasts a satisfying travel distance that contributes to a robust feel during typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. While both switches promise smooth performance, the Blue Topaz combines fun aesthetics with a lighter touch, while the Glory Yellow emphasizes heft and a pleasing tactile feedback. 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

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Glory Yellow switches, it becomes apparent that there are significant differences in the composition of their top housings. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate pronounced acoustic feedback, especially in RGB setups. In contrast, the Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, which is well-known for its softer properties. As a result, it produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound compared to polycarbonate. The difference in sound quality from the two materials illustrates how housing choice can markedly influence the typing experience.

On the bottom housing front, both the Blue Topaz and Gateron Glory Yellow switches utilize nylon. Here, they share a commonality that results in a similar acoustic foundation between them. Nylon's properties contribute to a deeper and rounder sound, as it is known for its ability to absorb sound waves effectively. This consistency in bottom housing material means that both switches will deliver a warm and fuller sound when bottoming out, regardless of the contrasting materials used in their tops. Consequently, while each switch has its own unique auditory character defined primarily by its top housing, the nylon bottoms afford both switches a familiar tactile quality.

In essence, while the Blue Topaz and Glory Yellow diverge significantly in their choice of top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the use of nylon for the bottom housing provides a shared foundation that contributes to a cohesive sound experience. The sharper acoustic profile of the Blue Topaz, driven by its polycarbonate top, is balanced by the fuller sound from its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Glory Yellow's full-bodied sound is primarily influenced by its nylon top. Therefore, even though the sound characteristics differ due to the top housing material, users can expect a similar depth of sound when the key is engaged, underscoring how the interplay of materials can create distinct yet complementary tactile experiences.

Weight

The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Glory Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Blue Topaz may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, offering less strain over long periods. In terms of bottom-out forces, the Blue Topaz has a measurable bottom-out force of 48 grams, indicating that it provides a clear tactile response when fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom-out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown. In summary, the HMX Blue Topaz is the lighter option with a defined bottom-out force, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is the heavier option, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Blue Topaz offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers who require quick response times. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a sense of deeper engagement while typing. Ultimately, if you prefer a brisk, responsive action, the HMX Blue Topaz would be the better option, while the Gateron Glory Yellow caters to those who like their switches to have a more substantial depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The auditory aspect of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky sound that provides a sharp, snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This sound is crisp and bright, creating a percussive element that many users find satisfying, particularly in a mechanical keyboard scenario. Unlike the Blue Topaz, the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch remains unspecified. However, it's important to note that the overall sound will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which means that while the Blue Topaz has a clear auditory signature, the Glory Yellow's sound characteristics may remain a mystery without specific details.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz excels with its easy-to-press design, offering users a lightweight actuation that significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This gentle resistance ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, contributing to a more enjoyable and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are noted as heavier within their lineup, which likely translates to a different tactile experience. The Glory Yellow's smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance imply a satisfying and engaging touch, although the specific nuances of its feel are not detailed.

In summary, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out with its clacky sound and lightweight actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback and ease of use. The Glory Yellow, on the other hand, offers a sturdier typing experience with its heavier feel, although its sound profile remains unknown. Users seeking either switch may find enjoyment depending on their prioritization of sound or typing resistance, and regardless of their choice, both have the potential to deliver an engaging typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Glory Yellow switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a lightweight feel, effortless actuation, and enjoy a clacky sound signature that adds a fun auditory element to your typing experience, the HMX Blue Topaz is likely the right choice for you. It’s perfect for those who engage in extended typing sessions where a lighter keypress can help reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a more subdued typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances your keystrokes, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be the way to go. Although the exact bottom-out force is unknown, this switch boasts a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, catering to those who prefer a balanced yet enjoyable typing experience and might favor a more solid feel for gaming or general use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean more towards a lively, light-switch design or a more stable and solid typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more