HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Mars offer unique features that can significantly enhance your typing experience, depending on your preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making each keystroke effortless. Its eye-catching glittery housing not only stands out visually but also produces a delightful clacky sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate both aesthetics and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches introduce a distinctive combination of a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which promises a different tactile experience, although specific sound characteristics are less emphasized. While the Blue Topaz might be ideal for those who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience, the Gateron Mars could cater to users seeking innovative design and potentially enhanced durability. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Mars switches, one of the most significant contrasts to note is in the composition of their top housings. The Blue Topaz utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material not only provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch when used with RGB lighting due to its clear nature. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted audio experience compared to the ringing clarity provided by the Blue Topaz.
While the top housings serve distinct purposes, both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom contributes to its overall sound profile by providing warmth and depth, aligning with the classic qualities of nylon that are often expressed in keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a unique and pleasing sound, also on the deeper side but with a more muted effect. This difference illustrates how the materials chosen for the bottom housing can influence the broader acoustic characteristics of the switch. Both switches, however, benefit from having nylon at the bottom, which resonates with gamers and typists looking for rich, fuller sounds.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings creates a layered acoustic profile within each switch. In the case of the Blue Topaz, the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top can be balanced with the softer, fuller tone from the nylon bottom to produce an eclectic sound experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mars employs a softening effect throughout both top and bottom housings, resulting in a more consistently deeper sound profile. By understanding the roles of these different materials, users can achieve their desired auditory experience, whether they lean towards the crisp clarity of the Blue Topaz or the muted depth of the Gateron Mars.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Blue Topaz requiring a lighter 40 grams compared to the Mars's 45 grams. This makes the Blue Topaz more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Topaz also has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mars's bottom out force is unavailable. This suggests that the Blue Topaz provides a more consistent feedback throughout the keystroke, as the bottom out force is known. Due to the higher actuation force, the Mars may cater to those who favor a more substantial push feel in their switches, providing a heavier typing experience. Overall, the Blue Topaz is the lighter option, while the Gateron Mars leans towards a heavier feel, making them suitable for different user preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference positions the Blue Topaz as the option that provides a more substantial keypress experience, catering to those who prefer a deeper travel for a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mars switch may appeal more to gamers and users seeking quicker response times due to its shorter travel distance. If responsiveness is a top priority, the Gateron Mars would be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes may find the Blue Topaz more suitable for their typing preferences. Overall, choosing between the two largely depends on whether one values depth or speed in their keyboard 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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its distinctly clacky sound profile. This characteristic produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive auditory feedback that many typists enjoy, adding a lively element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have a specified sound signature, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it's important to consider that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of keycaps and the materials used in the keyboard itself.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz switch excels in providing an easy-to-press experience, characterized by its lightweight actuation and minimal resistance. This design facilitates an effortless keystroke action, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions while minimizing finger fatigue. Conversely, the tactile qualities of the Gateron Mars linear switch are not explicitly detailed, so it’s challenging to make a direct comparison regarding its feel. However, if they were to share a similar aim in terms of actuation force and smoothness, both switches could provide a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clear auditory distinction with its clacky sound and an exceptionally light touch for easy typing, the Gateron Mars linear switch remains vague in its qualities but may potentially complement the setup depending on personal preference. Users may find that both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, especially if the Mars switch aligns with a lightweight and smooth actuation feel. Ultimately, personal preference, typing style, and additional keyboard factors will play a significant role in deciding between these two options.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Mars linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a light and effortless typing experience, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its super smooth actuation and clacky sound profile provide an enjoyable tactile feedback that can make typing feel almost effortless, perfect for both casual and extended use. The visual appeal of its glittery housing adds an aesthetic dimension that many users find appealing. On the other hand, if you're drawn to innovative designs and are interested in robust performance, the Gateron Mars switches may be worth considering, especially if you're seeking a unique typing experience. While specific details about the Gateron Mars, including its bottom-out force, aren't provided, their POK stem and durable housing materials promise a different kind of responsiveness and reliability. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you: the playful sound and light touch of the Blue Topaz or the innovative design of the Mars. Your choice will shape your overall typing experience, so take your time to find what resonates best with you.
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