HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, offer different typing experiences. The Blue Topaz stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable for users. With a visually appealing housing that features a glittery aesthetic and a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz provides both visual and auditory delight. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that offers a different typing sensation. While lacking specific standout features mentioned in its description, tactile switches generally provide a slight bump feedback during typing, which some users prefer for a more defined feel. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, delving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best switch for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Blue Topaz's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency, the Cream Yellow's top housing creates a rounder sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more mellow typing experience.
Both the Blue Topaz and Cream Yellow switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of their differences in top housing material. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent level of sound quality and feel, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the overall typing experience.
It is important to note the impact that the top and bottom housing materials have on the overall sound and feel of a switch. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the sharper and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Blue Topaz or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Cream Yellow, understanding the role of each housing material allows for a more informed decision when choosing between the two switches based on personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 40 grams, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch requires 45 grams to actuate. The bottom out force for the Blue Topaz is 48 grams, whereas the Cream Yellow bottoms out at 60 grams. This makes the Blue Topaz the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Cream Yellow is the heavier choice. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Topaz for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cream Yellow. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to varying preferences when it comes to typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue Topaz offers a bit more depth in its travel, which may be appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times and is often favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key press feel. Both options offer a different experience, with the Blue Topaz providing a longer travel distance and the Cream Yellow offering a shorter one.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
The Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a tactile element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound quality is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth and light actuation that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Cream Yellow tactile switch's feel is unknown, but based on the information provided, it is likely to offer a different tactile experience compared to the linear Blue Topaz switch.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation, clacky sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice for users looking for a lightweight and responsive typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two switches to ensure the best fit for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch if you prioritize a super smooth and lightweight typing experience with a clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press switches with a bottom out force of 48 grams. On the other hand, you should opt for the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and prioritize a tactile typing experience without the clacky sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for actuation force, sound, and feel.
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