HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, each catering to different typing preferences and styles. The Blue Topaz linear switch is renowned for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Its visually appealing housing, adorned with distinctive glitter, combined with a clacky sound signature, adds a layer of auditory and visual pleasure to every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches leverage hall effect technology to deliver a bright and clacky sound, making them a top choice for those looking to enhance the acoustic performance of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, the Blue Topaz leans towards users who favor smoothness and a bit of flair, whereas the Magnetic Jade appeals to those seeking superior acoustics and a tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contributes significantly to the clarity and resonance of their sound profiles. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, allowing both switches to deliver a vibrant acoustic experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users who want to enhance their keyboard's aesthetics with RGB lighting, as the material allows the light to pass through effectively. In this regard, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal from both switches, making them well-suited for those who prioritize sonic clarity and RGB compatibility in their mechanical keyboard experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which contrasts with the polycarbonate top. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This difference in material leads to a rounder and more muted sound with a more pronounced bottom-out feel, which is especially noticeable during heavy typing sessions or gaming marathons. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches enhance the higher frequencies, the nylon bottom houses give a rounded depth to the overall auditory feedback experienced by the user.
When considering the overall behavior of these switches, the combined effects of their distinct top and bottom materials create a unique typing experience. The polycarbonate top enhances the crispness and clarity of the key press, while the nylon bottom softens the overall sound and feel. This synergy means that even if the top and bottom housings differ, they complement each other well. For users who appreciate both sides of the auditory experience and wish to balance sharpness with warmth, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer a well-rounded performance. The combined attributes of these materials ensure that users can enjoy a harmonized acoustic profile, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Magnetic Jade features a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This suggests that the Magnetic Jade will allow for easier keystrokes and may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Magnetic Jade's bottom out force is 55 grams, making it heavier overall. This means that while the Magnetic Jade is easier to press initially, it requires more effort to fully engage, creating a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Blue Topaz provides a lighter overall feel, which might appeal to those preferring a less strenuous typing experience. Thus, users seeking a lightweight switch for prolonged use may prefer the Blue Topaz, while those desiring a more substantial, heavier push could lean toward the Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the differences are noteworthy. The Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blue Topaz provides a more substantial feel when pressed, catering to those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance may be better suited for gamers who value rapid key presses and quicker response times. In summary, if you're seeking a more pronounced travel feel, the Blue Topaz is the better choice, while the Magnetic Jade might appeal to those who favor a more responsive and quicker 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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch exhibits a bright and clacky sound signature that brings an engaging auditory experience to typing. When each key is pressed, the resulting sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This clackiness adds personality to the keyboard, making it enjoyable to use, whether you're typing or gaming. In terms of acoustics, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also features a bright and clacky sound, which positions it as an excellent alternative for those looking for a similar auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and build materials.
Regarding feel, the Blue Topaz switch shines with an incredibly smooth actuation and lightweight response that makes every keystroke feel effortless. The gentle resistance during key presses minimizes the necessary force to activate the switch, resulting in comfortable typing sessions and reduced finger fatigue. This easy-to-press characteristic enhances the overall typing experience, making the Blue Topaz ideal for prolonged use. The feel of the Magnetic Jade switch is currently unknown, but given the sound signature it shares with the Blue Topaz, it could potentially provide a similar experience, although the specific tactile feedback it offers is yet to be determined.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches promise engaging clacky sounds that enhance the typing experience. The Blue Topaz stands out with its super smooth feel and lightweight actuation, enabling effortless keystrokes and minimizing fatigue. The Magnetic Jade may offer comparable acoustics, but its tactile qualities remain to be explored. Ultimately, both switches cater to users seeking aesthetically pleasing and satisfying auditory feedback, making them strong contenders in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re someone who enjoys a lightweight feel and values smooth, effortless keystrokes with a delightful clacky sound, the Blue Topaz is your ideal match. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it perfect for long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while delivering a visually appealing experience thanks to its glittery housing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly more pronounced resistance with a bottom-out force of 55 grams and you prefer a brighter sound profile for an enhanced auditory typing experience, the Magnetic Jade could be your go-to switch. It excels in providing a more tactile feedback with its unique mechanism, making it particularly well-suited for users focused on performance and acoustic quality. Ultimately, your decision should align with what you value most in your keyboard experience—whether it’s the effortless feel of the Blue Topaz or the robust feedback of the Magnetic Jade.
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