HMX Blue Topaz vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Blue Topaz and Jerrzi Orange are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and appealing features to users. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breezy typing experience with a visually stunning glitter-infused housing and a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switches boast a lively and responsive typing experience with crisp and audible feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant feel while typing. While the Blue Topaz is known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Orange switch offers both a feathery and subdued feel in addition to being easy-to-press and clacky. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Orange switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the Blue Topaz and the Jerrzi Orange switches offer a contrast in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing creates a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing may lead to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. This distinction showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, making it an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the HMX Blue Topaz and Jerrzi Orange switches highlights the unique characteristics each material brings to the typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. By understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards based on their preferences for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Orange linear switch's 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Topaz requires 48 grams which is heavier than the Orange's unavailable force. This means that the Blue Topaz offers a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force but requires a slightly heavier force to bottom out compared to the Orange, which lacks information on its bottom out force. Depending on individual preferences, some users may find the lighter actuation force of the Blue Topaz more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Blue Topaz or the unknown force of the Orange for a more solid typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Orange. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for quicker response times, especially among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Blue Topaz, while those who prioritize a slightly quicker response time may find the Orange to be more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can provide a responsive 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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 offers a clacky typing experience with each key press, producing a sharp and percussive sound that adds to the overall tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch presents a mix of a subdued sound with a touch of clackiness, offering a more balanced auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, users may lean towards the louder and crisper sound of the Blue Topaz or the slightly quieter and more subtle sound of the Orange.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch provides an easy-to-press sensation with minimal force needed to activate each key, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue over extended use. Conversely, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a feathery lightness to the key presses, requiring little exertion and providing a comfortable typing feel that is ideal for prolonged gaming or work sessions. Both switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing experience, catering to users who value comfort and efficiency in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its super smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and clacky sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a visually and audibly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch showcases a lively and responsive typing experience with its clacky sound and feathery feel, making it a vibrant choice for enthusiasts seeking a balance between sound feedback and ease of use. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing aesthetic.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and a lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky linear switch that delivers a crisp and audible feedback, then the Jerrzi Orange switch might suit your needs better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so make sure to test them out to see which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
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