HMX Blue Topaz vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Mint both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making keystrokes a breeze, while also providing a visually and audibly pleasing clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Mint impresses with its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, offering a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting typing feel. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Mint is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', '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

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$2.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Mint are quite similar, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile due to its being a relatively stiff plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while the top housings are the same for both switches, the bottom housings differ, with the Blue Topaz featuring a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Mint also uses a nylon bottom housing that creates a duller and rounder sound.

The differences in the bottom housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Mint lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences when typing on these switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the Mint, which also utilizes a nylon bottom housing to create a similar effect. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more prevalent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key.

Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Mint play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile experience of these switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the differences in their nylon bottom housings lead to unique sound profiles when typing. The Blue Topaz offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nylon bottom housing, while the Mint provides a similar effect with its own nylon bottom housing. Understanding the qualities each housing material brings to the switch can help users choose the right switch for their preferences in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Mint linear switches, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Mint switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a bit more resistance for those who want a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Mint switch may provide a slightly more tactile typing experience due to its higher force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we see that the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize fast response times. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Blue Topaz for its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses, the Mint may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel.

Price comparison

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 when pressed. This can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a distinct auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Mint switch also has a neutral sound, suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Blue Topaz delivering a more pronounced and clacky sound, while the Mint provides a smoother and more subdued auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This results in a light and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The Mint switch's qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring a comfortable typing feel for most users. While the Blue Topaz focuses on creating a responsive and low-impact typing feel, the Mint prioritizes a polished and smooth key travel experience.

Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz provides a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the Mint delivers a low-pitched sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between the sharper and more responsive characteristics of the Blue Topaz or the smoother and more refined qualities of the Mint. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Mint linear switches, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a super smooth and lightweight typing experience with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, then the Blue Topaz switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth feel with a poppy thockiness, along with a more neutral and low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Mint switch could be the better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, so choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more