HMX Blue Topaz vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the characteristics of various options to find the one that best suits their preferences and typing style. The HMX Blue Topaz, known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, delivers an easy, breezy typing experience complemented by its visually striking glittery housing and a clacky sound signature that enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP offers a reimagined take on the classic Black Cherry Pie switches, providing a creamy, viscous, and elastic feel that adds a bounce to your typing. While both switches deliver a clacky auditory experience, the Blue Topaz leans toward visual flair and lightness, while the BCP emphasizes a more unique tactile feedback and a plush sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches hinges on personal preference, but 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
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh BCP switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the acoustic and aesthetic characteristics of each switch. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The contrasting materials highlight how polycarbonate's rigidity allows for enhanced resonance and clarity in sound as compared to nylon, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, rendering the Blue Topaz particularly appealing for users who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside sound quality.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Blue Topaz and Kailh BCP employ nylon, which is a classic choice for switch designs. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch is actuated. This shared material enables both switches to exhibit a duller and rounder sound signature, largely influencing the bottom-out feel and sound that typists experience. Since the bottom housing contributes significantly to the tactile feedback and the impact sounds, the similarity in material choice helps ensure that users can expect a consistent typing experience in this regard, despite the differences in the top housing.
Overall, while the HMX Blue Topaz and Kailh BCP switches diverge in their top housing materials—favoring polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—they converge in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. This distinction results in varied sound profiles during keypress and release, with the Blue Topaz facilitating a clearer and brighter sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the Kailh BCP adopts a fuller, warmer tone thanks to its nylon top. Nevertheless, both switches share the qualities imparted by their nylon bottom housings, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying and cohesive typing experience characterized by rich sound feedback, regardless of the selected switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics. The Blue Topaz features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the Kailh BCP has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who seek a more substantial tactile feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, the HMX Blue Topaz can be seen as the lighter option suitable for prolonged use, while the Kailh BCP is categorized as the heavier switch, providing a firmer feel for users who enjoy a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort versus resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Kailh BCP linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference suggests that the Blue Topaz may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to users who favor a deeper, more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a robust typing experience, the Blue Topaz would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance, while the Kailh BCP could be more suitable for those who prioritize responsiveness over depth.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 the realm of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, which is characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality that provides auditory satisfaction during each keystroke. This sharp and snappy sound enhances the tactile experience, making typing feel lively and engaging. In contrast, while the Kailh BCP linear switch does not have a widely documented sound signature, it is indicated that it offers a poppy and clacky sound profile, suggesting that it may deliver a similar aural delight to the user. It is important to note that sound characteristics can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard design and keycaps used, which means that personal preferences will ultimately shape the auditory experience for both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz excels with its super smooth actuation and lightweight nature, resulting in an effortless typing experience. The gentle resistance during key presses minimizes the force needed to activate the switch, promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue, especially appreciated during prolonged typing sessions. The Kailh BCP linear switch, with its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy feel, emphasizes a unique tactile sensation that may provide a different yet enjoyable typing experience. While the descriptions suggest differing characteristics, both switches are engineered to enhance comfort and responsiveness, although the specific tactile feedback of the BCP is less defined compared to the ease of the Blue Topaz.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Kailh BCP linear switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience, albeit in different ways. The Blue Topaz provides an effortless actuation combined with a lively clacky sound, making it visually and acoustically enticing. Meanwhile, the BCP is designed to deliver a unique tactile feel with its bouncy characteristics, while also promising a clacky auditory feedback. Ultimately, users will find both options capable of delivering high-quality performance, though personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch resonates more with their individual typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a lightweight touch and smooth keystrokes, along with an engaging auditory experience thanks to the clacky sound profile, the Blue Topaz is the ideal choice. It’s particularly well-suited for long typing sessions where comfort and ease of actuation are paramount, as its lower bottom-out force of 48 grams promotes effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, the Kailh BCP switch offers a unique blend of elasticity and a poppy sound signature that enhances tactile feedback. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a bouncier feel and a richer auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the type of tasks you frequently engage in to determine which switch will elevate your keyboard experience to the next level.
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