HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron North Pole V2 are two popular options to consider. The Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze. With a housing that sparkles with glitter and a clacky sound signature, it offers a visually and audibly pleasing experience for users. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is described as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences - the Blue Topaz being easy-to-press and clacky, while the North Pole V2 offers a gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished typing experience. 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
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron North Pole V2 feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant colors to shine through. However, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Blue Topaz and the North Pole V2 feature clear housings, indicating the use of polycarbonate material. This common feature highlights the popularity of polycarbonate in switch housings for its ability to enhance RGB lighting effects. However, the choice of nylon for the Blue Topaz's bottom housing contrasts with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2, leading to a different tactile experience when typing on these switches. While the top housing influences the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making the choice of housing material crucial for the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Blue Topaz and the North Pole V2, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities of their top and bottom housings. The Blue Topaz's combination of polycarbonate top housing for sharp sound and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound demonstrates a balance between clarity and depth in sound profile. In contrast, the North Pole V2 focuses on consistency in sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, emphasizing a sharper and clearer sound profile throughout typing. Whether you prefer a sharper, resonant sound or a deeper, rounder sound, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may lean towards the North Pole V2 for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This makes the North Pole V2 the longer of the two switches. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being slightly shorter for those who prefer faster response times. Gamers may lean towards the Blue Topaz for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the North Pole V2. Overall, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a subdued sound, emitting a deep and muted sound profile that is more subtle compared to most switches. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the crisp and bright sound of the Blue Topaz or the more dampened sound of the North Pole V2 to enhance their typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a lightweight actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Users will experience minimal resistance during key presses, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy typing feel, akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 offers a creamy sensation with smooth and buttery key presses, a bouncy feedback providing a spring-like sensation, and a polished finish for sleek typing experience.
Overall, users looking for a smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature may prefer the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch. On the other hand, those seeking a gummy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, along with additional sensations such as creaminess, bounciness, and polish, may lean towards the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch. Despite their subjective qualities, both switches offer unique typing experiences that can enhance the overall satisfaction and comfort of users depending on their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gummy, creamy typing feel that is deep and muted in sound, the North Pole V2 could be the better option. Remember that the Blue Topaz has a lighter bottom out force compared to the medium-heavy bottom out force of the North Pole V2, so factor in your preference for key resistance as well. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so it's key to choose based on what typing experience you value most.
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