HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Jelly both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz switch is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making every keystroke effortless. Its striking housing, adorned with a glittery finish, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also produces a clacky sound signature that adds a fun auditory element to typing. Conversely, the HMX Jelly switch delivers a more subdued experience with its low-pitched, deep thocky sound, appealing to users seeking a quieter yet equally smooth typing sensation, all while maintaining a lightweight actuation force of 42g due to excellent factory lubrication. Both switches promise enjoyable user experiences, one with a vibrant and engaging sound, and the other with a more refined, muted auditory profile. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Jelly incorporate different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Jelly uses a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer properties. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that feels rounder and more muted in character. Consequently, the choice of top housing material significantly influences the auditory experience, with the Blue Topaz leaning towards a brighter sound and the Jelly offering a warmer tone.
However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. In this regard, they present a consistent tactile response characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile across the board. The nylon's inherent softness means that both switches will exhibit similar performance when it comes to bottoming out, which impacts the overall feel and sound of the keystroke. When pressed, the bottom housing absorbs sound and shapes the bottom-out experience, emphasizing a rounded quality that is satisfying for typists who prefer a muted feedback feel.
Ultimately, while the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Jelly differ in their top housing materials, they converge in their bottom housings, combining to create a cohesive typing experience. The duality of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Blue Topaz yields a unique sound signature, delivering clarity when releasing the key, complemented by the smooth, round profile from the bottom housing. In contrast, the Jelly's nylon top and bottom provide a consistent auditory experience that emphasizes depth. Typists seeking vibrant RGB lighting will appreciate the Blue Topaz’s polycarbonate top, while those who prioritize a muffled sound profile will find satisfaction in the Jelly's construction. Regardless of the differences, the shared nylon bottom housing sets a foundation for a similar tactile feedback experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, though there are slight differences. The Blue Topaz requires an actuation force of 40 grams while the Jelly has a slightly heavier actuation force at 42 grams. Despite this difference, both switches produce the same bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that they offer a consistent resistance when fully pressed down. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Blue Topaz is the more appealing option with its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Jelly may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, catering to those who enjoy a firmer feel while typing. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the Blue Topaz stands out, whereas the Jelly offers a slightly heavier option for a more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we find that the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jelly offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Jelly a better choice for those prioritizing responsiveness, as its shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. Conversely, the Blue Topaz, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper key presses. Ultimately, if you're seeking a balance between performance and feel, both switches provide a quality experience, but the Jelly is the shorter option and the Blue Topaz is the longer one.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz switches produce a distinctly clacky auditory experience. This means that every keystroke emits a sharp, bright, and percussive sound, which can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate an audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches are designed to deliver a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature. This gives them a more subdued yet rich auditory characteristic, creating a different typing atmosphere. The choice of board and keycaps can further affect the sound profile of both switches, but generally, one can expect a lively clack from the Blue Topaz and a mellow thock from the Jelly.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz switches excel with their super smooth actuation and lightweight nature. They are easy to press, requiring minimal force, which makes them particularly appealing for long typing sessions, as they help reduce finger fatigue. This effortless response can enhance the overall typing experience. The Jelly switches also offer a lightweight feel with a similar actuation force but are especially noted for their excellent factory lubrication, which contributes to a smooth typing experience as well. While the specifics of the Jelly's feel have not been detailed, it can be expected that both switches will provide a gentle, smooth engagement.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Jelly switches cater to different auditory preferences while maintaining a similar lightweight and smooth feel. If you're looking for a lively and bright sound, the Blue Topaz will satisfy that craving, while the Jelly will appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more muted acoustic experience. Despite their tonal differences, both switches promise a comfortable, low-effort typing experience, making them solid choices for any newcomer exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing experience. If you're looking for a lightweight switch that not only provides a super smooth typing experience but also offers a visually appealing design with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its gentle resistance enhances comfort, making it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you enjoy the auditory pleasure of crisp, bright sounds. Conversely, if your preference leans toward a deeper, thocky sound and you value a buttery smooth actuation combined with a low actuation force, then the Jelly switch will likely be more to your liking. Both switches share a light bottom-out force of 48 grams, but the Jelly's factory lube contributes to a uniquely satisfying feel that many users find appealing. Ultimately, your selection should reflect not only the aesthetic and auditory qualities you appreciate but also the type of feedback you prefer while typing.
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