HMX Blue Topaz vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Neo Lavender HE present two compelling options, each with unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. Its visually striking housing, adorned with glitter, not only adds an aesthetic appeal but is complemented by a distinct clacky sound signature that enhances the tactile experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a cleaner, lower sound profile, distinguishing itself as a Hall Effect switch that works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards. While the Blue Topaz appeals to users who crave auditory feedback and a vibrant typing experience, the Lavender HE caters to those seeking a quieter, yet responsive feel in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Neo Lavender HE, we see notable differences in the top housing, yet both switches offer a certain level of sound insulation and clarity due to their nylon bottom housings. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which contribute to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially advantageous for use with RGB lighting since its clear properties allow the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE uses a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This discrepancy in top housing materials reveals that while the Blue Topaz provides a brighter auditory experience, the Lavender HE offers a warmer sound profile, leading to varied experiences in typing and accentuated sound feedback.
However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which serves to create a more consistent audio experience regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, its soft texture absorbs sound effectively, leading to a muted and rounded character in the sound profile for both switches. Consequently, the characteristic deeper and fuller sound provided by the nylon bottom housing is consistent across both models. This means that while the top housing materials generate distinct auditory profiles, the underlying similarities bring about a balanced listening experience when typing on either switch.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches showcases how the distinct properties of different materials influence the overall switch performance. In the case of the Blue Topaz, the polycarbonate top enhances clarity during keystrokes and release, while the nylon bottom contributes to sound absorption and depth. For the Neo Lavender HE, the nylon top maintains the smoother, rounder sound while ensuring that the typing experience is still pleasant and comfortable, thanks to the nylon bottom. Though the two models maintain contrasting top housing materials, both can deliver satisfying results for users, emphasizing how the combination of different materials can affect sound and feel in mechanical switches.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offer similar actuation forces, both requiring 40 grams to register a keystroke, making them equally accessible for users who prefer a lighter feel during typing or gaming. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces; the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lavender HE measures a bit heavier at 50 grams. This means that while both switches provide the same initial actuation, the Neo Lavender HE requires a marginally stronger push to fully depress, giving users a subtly more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter switch, the Blue Topaz would be the preference, whereas individuals desiring a firmer bottom out might gravitate towards the Lavender HE. Overall, both switches are considered on the lighter side, but the Lavender HE edges out slightly in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch showcase slightly different travel distances, with the Blue Topaz at 3.9 mm and the Lavender HE at 3.8 mm. While both are relatively close in measurement, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it potentially more appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, which could be favored by gamers seeking faster keystrokes. In summary, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Blue Topaz might be more suitable for those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty depth in their switches.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a distinctive clacky sound signature that adds a lively auditory dimension to the typing experience. This clacky sound is defined as sharp, bright, and percussive, producing a satisfying acoustic feedback with each keystroke that many typists find enjoyable. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound, which suggests a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Blue Topaz. This quiet operation can offer a more discreet typing environment, making the Lavender HE ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise could be a concern.
Regarding feel, the Blue Topaz switches excel with their easy-to-press design, allowing for smooth actuation that requires minimal force. This lightweight feel reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, enabling a comfortable and responsive experience that enhances overall typing efficiency. The Lavender HE switch, although its feel is not explicitly documented, might be expected to deliver superior performance considering its advanced hall effect mechanism, potentially offering a unique tactile experience. However, without specific details on the Lavender HE's feel, it's challenging to make a direct comparison.
In summary, while both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Neo Lavender HE offer unique advantages, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz appeals to those who appreciate an engaging and lively auditory feedback with a super smooth actuation, while the Lavender HE provides a quieter experience ideal for those seeking subtlety. As each switch delivers notably distinct characteristics, the best choice will depend on individual typing preferences and intended use cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are seeking a smooth typing experience combined with a vibrant visual appeal and a distinctive clacky sound, the Blue Topaz is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation and easy-to-press feel make it particularly suitable for those who type extensively and want to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on smoothness, the Lavender HE is a great candidate. It offers a clean, low sound profile that pairs well with its reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for gaming or work environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. Ultimately, consider whether you value a more dynamic sound and feel with the Blue Topaz or a subdued yet responsive experience with the Lavender HE to find the switch that best aligns with your typing style.
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