HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Melodic offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze. Additionally, its distinctive glitter housing adds a visually pleasing element to the typing experience, coupled with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch brings innovation to the table with features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness. While the Blue Topaz is best for those looking for an easy-to-press and clacky switch, the Melodic caters to users who prefer a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing experience. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Melodic switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Both switches offer similar qualities due to their shared polycarbonate top housings, providing users with a consistent sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Topaz and the Melodic switches utilize nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This combination of materials in the switches allows for a unique typing experience, with the qualities of the nylon bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Melodic switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Users looking for a switch with a more resonant sound may prefer the Blue Topaz, while those seeking a softer, rounder sound may lean towards the Gateron Melodic. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Topaz make it ideal for users looking for a light and smooth typing experience, perfect for long periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Melodic switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress weight and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Blue Topaz would be the better option, while the Melodic switch is better suited for those looking for a heavier keypress feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances commonly found in mechanical keyboards. Gamers may lean towards the Blue Topaz for its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron Melodic with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing 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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a distinct clacky sound that provides a sharp and snappy auditory experience, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound profile that is clean and sharp. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz emphasizing a more traditional clacky sound and the Melodic providing a more immersive and crunchy experience.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a lightweight and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is both seamless and uniform. The Melodic also offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, catering to users who prefer a more responsive and immersive typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Melodic stands out with its resonant and crunchy sound profiles, as well as its buttery and invigorating typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that with either switch, you'll be getting a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth actuation with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with a slightly higher actuation force, the Gateron Melodic would be more suitable. Consider how you prioritize sound, feel, and typing experience to determine which switch best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what aligns with your preferences.
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