HMX Blue Topaz vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your overall typing experience. The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing an effortless touch with every keystroke. Not only does it boast an eye-catching glittery housing, but it also produces a clacky sound signature that adds a unique auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Ice linear switch presents a sleek and transparent design that showcases its inner workings, appealing to those who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. With its smooth and responsive feel coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice switch caters to both gamers and everyday typists, creating a versatile option for any user. While the Blue Topaz focuses on an engaging tactile and auditory experience, the Ice excels in providing a clean look and premium feel. 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
60g
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
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Ice both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the properties of polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Moreover, the top housing's translucency is an asset for those interested in showcasing RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through vividly. Both switches, therefore, are expected to deliver similar auditory experiences when considering the top housing alone, owing to the shared material and its resulting sound characteristics.
Contrasting the bottom housings reveals key differences in the sound profiles generated by each switch. The Blue Topaz utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder, less sharp auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the crisp sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate. This disparity indicates that while both top housings produce similar sound qualities, the bottom housings will affect the overall sound and feel of the switches in different ways, prominently influencing the bottom-out sound and feel distinctively.
In summary, the interplay of materials in the two switches ultimately leads to contrasting sound profiles in user experience, despite their shared polycarbonate top housings. Users can anticipate a brighter and clearer sound from both switches due to their identical top materials, while the bottom housing's material will introduce significant variability. In essence, typists seeking a fuller sound may prefer the Blue Topaz due to its nylon housing, whereas those desiring a consistently sharp sound across both the top and bottom will lean towards the TTC Ice with its wholly polycarbonate build. This distinction showcases the importance of both materials in defining the acoustic performance of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Topaz features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a lighter typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Therefore, if users want a lighter option, the Blue Topaz is the clear winner, while the TTC Ice offers a heavier alternative for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, the Blue Topaz measures at 3.9 mm, while the Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Ice switch offers a more responsive feel ideal for gamers who favor quick key presses, while the Blue Topaz, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. For users who prefer a traditional experience, the Blue Topaz is closer to the conventional 4.0 mm travel distance, whereas the Ice switch falls into the category of modern designs prioritizing speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you favor the rapid response of the Ice or the more substantial depth of the Blue Topaz.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its distinct clacky signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. This crisp, bright, and percussive quality makes it particularly satisfying and engaging for typists and gamers alike, adding an auditory dimension that enhances the overall experience of using the keyboard. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the TTC Ice switch have not been detailed, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, it is important to keep in mind that sound can greatly depend on various factors such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which can influence how these switches will ultimately sound in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is distinguished by its easy-to-press design, which requires minimal force for activation. This lightweight actuation force enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and enabling a seamless experience whether you're typing or gaming. Conversely, there is no specific information available about the feel of the TTC Ice switch. Still, it is known for its smooth, responsive performance, which suggests that it may offer a similarly pleasant typing experience; however, without the nuanced details, a definitive comparison cannot be drawn.
In conclusion, while the Blue Topaz linear switch shines with its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the TTC Ice switch remains more enigmatic due to the lack of sound and feel specifics. However, both switches are recognized for offering smooth and responsive experiences, which may cater to users looking for a premium typing experience. Ultimately, if you're in the market for a mechanical switch that provides a balance of sound and feel, you might find satisfaction in both options depending on your preferences for auditory feedback and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Ice linear switches, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a light touch and seek effortless keystrokes with an engaging auditory experience, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram actuation force and clacky sound signature make it perfect for casual typing and gaming alike, reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a medium resistance during key presses, the TTC Ice switch, with its 60-gram actuation force, offers a robust typing experience suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. The crystal-clear design and satisfying bottom-out sound of the Ice add a premium touch, making it ideal for users who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your comfort with switch resistance and the type of acoustics you enjoy.
Mentioned in this article
