HMX Blue Topaz vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their unique characteristics and differences. The Blue Topaz is renowned for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its clacky sound signature and eye-catching glittery housing. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, but with the added benefit of operating silently, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. While both switches offer their own advantages, choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This means that typing on switches with either of these materials will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. However, the Blue Topaz utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material results in a distinct sound profile between the two switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Blue Topaz and the MX Silent Red switches are made of nylon, which means that the sound and feel when pressing down on these switches will be quite similar. However, as mentioned earlier, the top housing materials play a significant role in the sound profile when releasing a key. With the Blue Topaz having a polycarbonate top housing and the MX Silent Red with a nylon top housing, there will be a noticeable difference in the sound produced when letting go of a key. Overall, the combination of housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches share a common nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound for a fuller and deeper sound profile. These differences in housing materials showcase the importance of the components used in mechanical switches and how they can impact the overall user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making the Blue Topaz easier to trigger keystrokes with. Additionally, the Blue Topaz has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, although it is unknown for the Silent Red. This means that the Blue Topaz provides a more consistent and smoother typing experience with less force required overall. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blue Topaz for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferred actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Blue Topaz offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and 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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch offers a clacky and percussive experience, delivering a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. In comparison, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a muted and thocky sound, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The low-pitched characteristic of the MX Silent Red adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for either a louder, more tactile sound with the Blue Topaz or a quieter, more subdued sound with the MX Silent Red.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This lightweight feel reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, indicating that it may have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others might prefer a smoother, friction-free typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether the user values a gentle and easy keystroke with the Blue Topaz or a slightly textured feel with the MX Silent Red.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users to consider. The Blue Topaz stands out with its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, providing a visually appealing and tactile typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red offers a quieter sound profile and a textured feel, catering to individuals who prioritize a noiseless typing environment and a more tactile sensation while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a super smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heftier feel with a significantly quieter sound profile, the MX Silent Red switch might be more suitable, especially for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, whether you prefer a clacky and visually appealing switch or a muted and textured typing experience, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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