HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, it can often boil down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. The HMX Blue Topaz, a linear switch, is celebrated for its incredibly smooth actuation, providing a lightweight and delightful typing experience. Its eye-catching glittery housing and clacky sound signature not only enhance the tactile enjoyment but also add an element of visual and auditory flair. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a more robust feel with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bright, resonant sound that makes typing feel powerful and engaging. While the Blue Topaz caters to those who enjoy a light and breezy keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) is ideal for users who prefer a bouncy, more substantial feedback. Both switches have their unique appeal, making your choice dependent on your typing style and sound preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a clear distinction arises in their top housing components. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its rigid characteristics. This stiffer material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound created when typing, making it a favorable choice for users aiming for a more pronounced auditory experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for exceptional RGB light diffusion, adding an appealing aesthetic element for those who prioritize backlighting in their keyboards. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This design choice leads to a more muted auditory response when the keys are released, creating a softer feedback experience.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Blue Topaz and the Lotus (Heavy) are equipped with nylon components. This commonality results in similar sound characteristics between the two models when pressed down, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and contributing to a fuller, richer typing experience. Given that the impact on the bottom-out sound is largely influenced by the bottom housing, both switches will present a deeper auditory profile upon key presses. Thus, while the Blue Topaz and Lotus (Heavy) diverge in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing helps establish a cohesive auditory experience during typing, particularly on the downward motion of the keys.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the Blue Topaz's top housing and nylon in both models' bottom housings creates unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience in distinct ways. Users of the Blue Topaz might appreciate the clarity and response of the polycarbonate, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting, while those of the Lotus (Heavy) may favor the warmth and fullness brought by the nylon top housing. Nonetheless, since both switches share the nylon bottom housing, typing dynamics, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel, will resonate similarly, offering a rich experience that leverages the strengths of both housing materials. As a result, despite their differences, both switches can deliver satisfying performance based on varying user preferences.

Weight

The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) requires a more substantial actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a firmer, more tactile feel while typing. This difference in weight indicates that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking ease and comfort, while the Lotus is heavier, appealing to individuals who favor a stronger push for a more robust typing experience. Consequently, users can expect distinctly different tactile sensations and responsiveness from each switch, depending on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the keys. If you favor a deeper experience with a full-bodied keystroke, the Blue Topaz would likely be the better choice for you. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy), with its more compact 3.5 mm travel distance, offers a quicker response time, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a more responsive touch. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences regarding travel distance and tactile feedback, the Blue Topaz is ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, whereas the Lotus is suited for those seeking a swifter action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch boasts a distinctive clacky sound signature, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive tone with every keystroke. This clackiness contributes to its auditory charm, making it a delightful choice for users who enjoy feedback through sound while typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized as bright and resonant, which suggests it likely shares some aspects of the auditory engagement found in the Blue Topaz. However, the specific details about its sound signature aren't provided, leaving a gap in the complete understanding of how it compares to the lively sound of the Blue Topaz.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz showcases an easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This lightweight feel promotes effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use and creating a comfortable experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch presents a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and is described as super bouncy. This added weight, along with the bounce, suggests a more substantial tactile experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel when typing compared to the nimbleness of the Blue Topaz.

Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz shines with its clacky sound and lightweight, seamless actuation, making it a great choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and a less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) appeals to those who may enjoy a noticeable bounciness and a more resonant sound, albeit with less detailed information available regarding its total sound profile. By selecting either switch, users can expect unique experiences that reflect their typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch should depend on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially for long sessions or gaming, then the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice due to its 48-gram actuation force. This switch not only requires minimal effort to press but also provides a satisfying clacky sound, making each keystroke enjoyable and relatively fatigue-free. It's particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a more tactile feel and a sound that adds character to their typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial touch and sound in your typing, the 62.5-gram bottom out force of the Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a bouncy and engaging experience. The medium-heavy resistance may suit those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style and who may not want to feel as much sensitivity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches serve specific needs; by understanding your own typing style and what you value in your keyboard experience, you can choose the switch that will enhance your overall satisfaction and productivity.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more