HMX Blue Topaz vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two noteworthy options to compare and contrast. The Blue Topaz is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with a breezy typing experience. Its visually striking glittery housing pairs well with a clacky sound signature, offering both aesthetic appeal and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a heftier linear typing experience, with a deep and resonant sound profile that adds a unique texture to every keystroke. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the Cream switch is described as 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'textured', 'resonant', and 'invigorating'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, so it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Cream utilizes a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. While the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing offers a unique sound experience with its deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ as well. The Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Cream features a POM bottom housing, which also produces a deep and muted sound. This means that while typing on the Blue Topaz switches may provide a rounder sound due to the nylon bottom housing, the Cream's POM bottom housing offers a similar deep sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Blue Topaz may offer a sharper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Cream provides a unique and deep sound experience with its POM housing materials. Both switches have distinct qualities from their top and bottom housing materials, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound and feel. In essence, while the materials differ between the two switches, they both offer high-quality housing options that can cater to different preferences in 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 suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the NovelKeys Cream switch, while those who favor a lighter touch may find the Blue Topaz switch more to their liking. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being slightly shorter than the Cream. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Blue Topaz due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming may gravitate towards the Cream switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may be minimal, and both can provide similar results in terms of keypress feedback and performance.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 comparing the sound of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches, the Blue Topaz offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding a delightful auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a low-pitched, resonant sound profile that is deep and immersive, offering a different auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches will provide a satisfying sound output, ensuring that users will enjoy a pleasing typing experience regardless of their choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is described as being easy-to-press, offering a lightweight feel that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This switch provides a gentle resistance and a smooth actuation that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, the NovelKeys Cream is known for its buttery and textured feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a noticeable feedback that can be invigorating for some users. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find a switch that suits their typing style.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press sensation, the NovelKeys Cream offers a low-pitched, resonant sound and a buttery, textured feel that is invigorating to the user. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will be pleased with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz might be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heftier typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a more textured feel, the NovelKeys Cream could be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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