HMX Blue Topaz vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz is recognized for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience accompanied by a distinctive glitter housing that adds visual appeal. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out with its gentle bottom-out and extended 22mm spring, offering a bouncy sensation that enhances typing comfort. Both switches produce a clacky sound signature, but the Blue Topaz has a more pronounced clack while the Jacaranda leans towards a crisp and audible feedback. If you prioritize a light and easy-to-press switch, the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy and silky feel, the Jacaranda might be more to your liking. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to the switches, enhancing their overall appeal. Despite some minor differences in design, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sound experience for users.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The Blue Topaz utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Jacaranda also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. While the top housing may impact the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. While they share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials provide users with distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches have been designed to cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience due to their light touch, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing feel. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be easily noticeable in practical use, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding weight, with lighter switches being suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches offer a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, offering a slightly longer keypress compared to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Blue Topaz provides a tad more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jacaranda offers a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or keypress depth in your 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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Jacaranda also has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, adding an extra layer of auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring a light actuation force. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jacaranda is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by offering a responsive and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out with its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, paired with a clacky sound signature, while the Jacaranda offers a bouncy sensation with its extended spring and a combination of clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profiles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, with slight variations in the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a super smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and visual appeal with a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a gentle bottom-out force, a uniquely bouncy sensation from the extended spring, and a crisp clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Jacaranda switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what features are most important to you in your typing experience.
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