HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options to consider are the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Macchiato, both linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless, while its eye-catching glittering housing and clacky sound signature provide both a visual and auditory delight. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, offers a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize a refined auditory feedback without the weightiness of a tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of feel and sound, with the Blue Topaz leaning towards a more playful experience and the Macchiato emphasizing a sophisticated touch. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Macchiato switches, it becomes evident that their construction influences their sound profiles and typing experiences significantly. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristic. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing sound vibrations to resonate more clearly. In contrast, the Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This inherent difference indicates that while the Blue Topaz may provide a brighter auditory response, the Macchiato is designed for a more subdued and rounded sound, highlighting the contrasts between these two materials.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Blue Topaz and Macchiato incorporate nylon, which creates consistency in their sound profiles at the bottom end. With both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing, this choice contributes to a deeper and more muffled sound when the key bottoms out, as nylon’s softer material helps absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As such, the typing experience on both switches is enriched by this commonality. While the top housing distinctions lead to contrasting sound profiles during key release, the uniformity in the bottom housing means both switches will deliver a similar deep thud when a key is pressed down fully.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Blue Topaz and the two nylon housings in the Macchiato creates a balanced differentiation in sound and feel. Typing on the Blue Topaz offers a brighter and sharper auditory distinction during key releases due to the polycarbonate top, while the nylon bottom ensures a full and robust experience during key presses. Conversely, the Macchiato provides a consistently deeper sound profile across both the top and bottom housings. Therefore, while their materials lead to distinct auditory characteristics, both switches foster an engaging typing experience that caters to various preferences, allowing users to select based on their desired sound profile and tactile feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Macchiato linear switches, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but the Macchiato requires slightly more force. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the HMX Blue Topaz the lighter option, appealing to typists and gamers looking for a more effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, those who prefer a firmer touch will find the HMX Macchiato more suited to their tastes, thanks to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, while both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, the Macchiato offers a marginally more substantial feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Macchiato linear switches reveals a notable difference: the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Macchiato measures slightly longer at 4.0 mm. This means that if you choose the Macchiato, you'll experience a deeper feel when pressing down on the key, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Blue Topaz might be more suited for users seeking quicker responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers. Therefore, if you prioritize a swifter actuation for faster response times, the Blue Topaz would be the preferable choice, while the Macchiato would cater to those who appreciate a heartier depth in their key presses.
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 HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 stands out with its distinct clacky sound signature. This sharp and snappy sound creates an engaging auditory experience that many users find pleasing, characterized by its crisp and bright percussive quality. The clack of the Blue Topaz offers a delightful contrast to the quiet nature typically associated with linear switches, making each keystroke feel more lively. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato is not specified, so we do not have comparable information regarding its auditory characteristics. It’s important to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means both switches could exhibit different acoustic responses depending on these variables.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz provides an easy-to-press experience, characterized by its lightweight actuation and smooth keystrokes. This switch design minimizes the effort required for each keypress, allowing users to type comfortably for extended periods without experiencing finger fatigue. The gentle resistance offered by the Blue Topaz enhances its responsiveness, resulting in a typing experience that many find enjoyable. While information about the tactile feel of the HMX Macchiato is currently unknown, if it shares similar qualities with the Blue Topaz, users might expect a comparable smoothness and ease during use.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a vibrant acoustic profile combined with a lightweight and comfortable typing experience, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate both sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards. Although the sensory aspects of the HMX Macchiato linear switch are less defined, particularly in terms of sound and tactile feedback, the potential for a similarly smooth typing experience suggests that it may still cater to users looking for a pleasant and effortless feel in their keyboard. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide satisfying outcomes for newcomers, depending on individual preferences and specific use cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light, effortless actuation with a captivating sound profile, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force ensures easy key presses, making it ideal for those who type frequently throughout the day and seek a visually appealing switch with a distinctive clacky sound. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel paired with a silky-smooth action and a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is better suited for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides just a tad more resistance, which some users find enhances their control while typing. In the end, whether you're drawn to the playful aesthetic and light touch of the Blue Topaz or the refined smoothness and clarity of the Macchiato, both switches promise a delightful experience tailored to different typing preferences.
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