HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer their own unique features and benefits. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze for users who prefer an easy-to-press switch. Its glittery housing adds a touch of visual appeal, while the clacky sound signature enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) from Gateron is praised for its smoothness and buttery feel, with a low, "thocky" sound that appeals to both gamers and typists. This budget-friendly switch is versatile and excels in various scenarios, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softness and ability to absorb more sound. While the Blue Topaz focuses on clarity and resonance, the Milky Yellow Pro emphasizes a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon material, which contributes to a deep and full sound profile. However, the difference lies in the impact each housing has on the overall sound and feel of typing. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key, while the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing similarly absorbs sound to create a similar effect. This shows that despite the switches having different top housings, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) housing materials ultimately depends on the sound profile and typing feel that the user prefers. While the Blue Topaz offers a sharper and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Additionally, both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent typing experience across the board. Ultimately, users can choose between a crisper and sharper sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound based on their personal preferences.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. Those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro, while those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being on the shorter end and the Milky Yellow Pro on the longer end. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 offers a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz being more vibrant and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a deeper and more satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is acclaimed for its easy-to-press nature, offering a lightweight actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. The smooth actuation of this switch enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its buttery and textured keystroke experience, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. While the Blue Topaz emphasizes ease of use, the Milky Yellow Pro focuses on delivering a seamless and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is ideal for users who value a clacky and light keystroke with easy-to-press qualities, accompanied by a glittery housing that adds visual appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is perfect for those seeking a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery and textured feel, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing tasks. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring an optimal typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a light actuation force and a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a buttery smooth feel and a low-pitched, thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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