HMX Blue Topaz vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Durock Medium Tactile offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience with a visually striking housing that emits a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump. While the Blue Topaz is known for being easy to press and clacky, the Medium Tactile switch is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. 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
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Medium Tactile switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aesthetic.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. Despite having different top housing materials, the switches deliver comparable results when it comes to sound and feel due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of housing materials in both switches results in a unique typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the Blue Topaz with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing or the Durock Medium Tactile with the same housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch differ in weight. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, with the actuation force being unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Topaz switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Medium Tactile switch due to its heavier bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, since the weight is unknown for the Medium Tactile, it can be assumed that both switches may provide similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in typing feel and force requirements for an optimal typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, slightly shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Durock switch requires slightly more travel to actuate compared to the Blue Topaz. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the Blue Topaz may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Durock switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press with a longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective travel distances, allowing for users to choose based on their individual preferences.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound profile, which may offer a more muted and softer typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. In comparison, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a more nuanced feel with characteristics such as accented tactility, stepped keystrokes, mild feedback, and a polished finish for a refined typing sensation. These qualities combined create a balanced tactile switch experience that caters to users looking for a tactile yet comfortable typing feel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz delivers a clacky sound and easy actuation, the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound profile and a more nuanced tactile feel. If you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a lightweight feel, the Blue Topaz may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a polished finish, the Durock Medium Tactile could be a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force and smooth keystrokes with a clacky sound, then the Blue Topaz would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force with a pronounced yet balanced tactile feel and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile would be the switch for you. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to consider how you like your keyboard to feel and sound before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches is yours to make based on your individual preferences and needs.
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