HMX Blue Topaz vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Cherry MX Brown stand out for their unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback for a more low-key typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the MX Brown is labeled as 'textured', 'bassy', and 'low-pitched'. Both switches have their advantages, but ultimately the best choice comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Cherry MX Brown switches have some key differences. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. These differences in housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Topaz and the MX Brown switches use nylon. This means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the properties of nylon. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder tone. While the top housing of these switches may have different materials and sound profiles, the bottom housing's nylon material brings a similar sound quality to both switches. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when bottoming out keys with either the Blue Topaz or the MX Brown switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Cherry MX Brown switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Brown provides a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a similar bottoming out sound profile. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a higher-pitched and brighter sound may lean towards the Blue Topaz, while those preferring a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the Cherry MX Brown.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is lighter. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the MX Brown. Some users may prefer the lighter touch of the Blue Topaz for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the MX Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their actuation and bottom out forces, but either one can result in similar results depending on the user's preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the MX Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer audio feedback. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Topaz will give a crisp and bright sound, while the MX Brown will deliver a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the smooth and friction-free typing experience of the Blue Topaz, while others may appreciate the tactile feedback of the MX Brown.
In conclusion, if you enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with a bassy sound profile and textured feel, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is essential to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you should think about your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with a lightweight feel and a clacky sound profile, the Blue Topaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing feel with subtle tactile feedback and a more subdued, bassy sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switch might be more your style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing habits and preferences. So, make your choice wisely based on what will enhance your overall typing experience.
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