HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with an effortless typing experience accompanied by a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. While the Blue Topaz is described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Oil King is characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own appeal, offering users a choice between a tactile and auditory delight with the Blue Topaz, or a luxurious and refined typing experience with the Oil King. 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
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Blue Topaz and Gateron Oil King switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the Blue Topaz is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a classic switch housing material.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Topaz and Gateron Oil King switches use nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Oil King also incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which creates a pointed and high-pitched sound described as clacky. This highlights the differences in sound profiles that can be achieved by utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch. While the Blue Topaz showcases the qualities of nylon in both top and bottom housings, the Gateron Oil King splits these qualities between the two, resulting in a unique typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Blue Topaz and Gateron Oil King switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz creates a clear and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a sharper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Oil King offers a deeper and fuller sound, providing a classic typing experience. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, but the Oil King goes a step further with its proprietary INK blend, adding a unique clacky sound to the mix. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both the Blue Topaz and Gateron Oil King switches offer distinct sound profiles thanks to their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Blue Topaz is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a heavier switch. Both switches offer different experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose according to their preferences for typing or gaming. While the Blue Topaz provides a lighter feel overall, the Oil King offers a medium-heavy typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a deeper key press may find the Oil King switch more to their liking. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, catering to the needs of modern keyboard users looking for a balance between speed and comfort.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 offers a clacky typing experience with its sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Topaz may be more appealing for those who enjoy a more percussive sound, while the Oil King may suit individuals who prefer a deeper and richer tone during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that minimizes resistance and ensures a sleek typing feel. Individuals who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience may lean towards the Oil King switch.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Oil King linear switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Blue Topaz offers a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Oil King presents a low-pitched, bassy sound and a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing sensation. Choosing between the two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that an individual desires. However, rest assured that whether you opt for the Blue Topaz or Oil King switch, both will provide you with a high-quality typing experience that meets your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a unique visual and auditory experience, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing feel, the Oil King could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer quality characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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