HMX Blue Topaz vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz is sought after for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with a breezy typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a sharp tactile feel with a mix of PBT top and bottom housing for a premium typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is known for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press keys, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out with its accentuated tactile bumps and resonant sound profile. 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
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Blue Topaz and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their housing materials, with the Blue Topaz featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a PBT top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for users looking for a more resonant sound. In contrast, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral sound profile that is not as crisp but not dull either. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound produced by the switch.
The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also offers a neutral sound profile that complements the PBT top housing. Both switches feature housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with the Blue Topaz emphasizing a more resonant and crisp sound, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more balanced and neutral sound.
While the Blue Topaz and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on these switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when the key is released. This shows how the choice of housing material for different parts of the switch can influence the overall typing experience and sound produced.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the 0.1 mm may seem negligible, it can make a difference in feel and performance for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Moyu Black being a bit closer to the standard 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its slightly shorter travel distance, offering faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Moyu Black. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific feel each user is looking for in their keyboard.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound that adds an element of excitement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Blue Topaz delivering a more percussive sound while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more immersive and clean typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a lightweight feel that requires minimal force to activate. This smooth actuation makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a sharp and accentuated tactile feedback, creating a distinct typing experience with a medium-heavy feel that accentuates the key presses. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch falls into the category of accented switches, offering a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key presses.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz provides a visually appealing clacky sound and easy actuation, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a sharply tactile typing experience with a resonant sound profile. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky sound and easy keystrokes, the Blue Topaz may be a better fit, while if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a resonant sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) could be the ideal choice. Experiment with both to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz is the way to go. It offers an easy-to-press typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a gentle keypress. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sharp and strong tactile feedback with a crisp sound profile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is your best choice. With its medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a distinct and impactful typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a light and smooth typing experience (Blue Topaz) or a sharp and tactile typing experience (Moyu Black).
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