HMX Blue Topaz vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Durock Mamba both offer unique qualities worth exploring. The Blue Topaz stands out with its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing an easy-to-press and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with a gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Mamba, it is evident that they offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Blue Topaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is especially ideal for those interested in utilizing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mamba features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, offering a pleasant and brighter sound profile. While the Blue Topaz focuses on clarity and resonance, the Mamba leans towards a more mellow and rounded sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Blue Topaz utilizes nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. On the other hand, the Mamba utilizes POM for its bottom housing, creating a more muted and deeper sound profile. The contrast between the two bottom housing materials highlights how different plastics can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Blue Topaz and the Durock Mamba differ, the impact each housing material has on the overall typing experience is crucial. While pressing down on a switch will reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how these housing materials interact can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Durock Mamba linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Blue Topaz also has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, whereas the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz would provide a lighter typing experience overall, which could be preferred for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Mamba may provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see that the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blue Topaz has a slightly longer travel distance than the Mamba, which could potentially provide a slightly more substantial key press feel. However, the Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Blue Topaz linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a fun and satisfying auditory element to your typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, along with a thocky deep and rich sound that is sure to please those who enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharp clack of the Blue Topaz or the deep thock of the Mamba to enhance their typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and promoting effortless and comfortable typing. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions and provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a more gentle typing feel. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mamba switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, further enhancing the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Mamba linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Mamba offers a more neutral sound profile with a thocky sound and a mild, polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing performance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth actuation with a clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a rich, creamy thocky sound with a polished feel, the Durock Mamba could be the switch you are looking for. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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