HMX Blue Topaz vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Topaz linear switch is beloved for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience that feels effortless. With a visually appealing glitter housing and a clacky sound signature, this switch offers both aesthetic and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience produced by Haimu. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing material introduces varying qualities to their sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. This means that the Blue Topaz will offer a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Lightning Silver V3 will have a sharper and crisper sound profile overall.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound, with the translucency allowing for RGB lighting effects. The difference in bottom housing materials highlights the importance of nylon for a deeper sound profile in the Blue Topaz, while the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch differ in weight. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The difference in force between the two switches offers users a choice between a lighter typing experience with the Blue Topaz or a more substantial push feel with the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blue Topaz, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly shorter than the Blue Topaz. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Blue Topaz. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, catering to the preferences of those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch are described as having a clacky sound signature, producing crisp, bright, and percussive noises when pressed. However, the Lightning Silver V3 also adds a high-pitched element to its sound profile, giving it a sharper and more distinctive tone compared to the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, alongside other factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring little force to activate. This results in a lightweight and effortless typing experience that helps reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is noted for its silky smooth feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between them will come down to whether you prefer a light actuation force or an extra level of smoothness in your keystrokes.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch excel in their own ways, with the Blue Topaz offering a visually and auditorily pleasing experience with its clacky sound and easy actuation, while the Lightning Silver V3 enhances RGB illumination and provides a silky typing feel for those seeking maximum smoothness. Depending on your priorities for sound, feel, and aesthetics, choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and specific needs for your mechanical keyboard setup. However, rest assured that whether you go with the Blue Topaz or the Lightning Silver V3, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your expectations.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a super smooth actuation with a lightweight feel, the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice for you. The distinct glitter housing, clacky sound signature, and easy-to-press feel make it a great option for those seeking a visually and audibly delightful typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be more suitable for you. The light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and the specific features that best suit your needs.
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