HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the HMX Blue Topaz, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch. The Blue Topaz is favored for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze for users. Its distinctive glitter housing adds a visually appealing touch while also producing a satisfying clacky sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced bump during actuation. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Crystal Brown does not fall into any specific category. Each switch has its own unique features and benefits, making it important to carefully consider which one aligns best with your typing preferences. 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. In contrast, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share similarities in their top housing material, the differences in their bottom housings contribute to variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound profile and typing experience. The utilization of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches enhances the depth and richness of the sound produced, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly when key presses are released. Despite their shared attributes in terms of top housing material, the distinction in bottom housing material allows for unique acoustic qualities in each switch.
In the case of switches with different top and bottom housings, such as the HMX Blue Topaz and Outemu Crystal Brown, the qualities of each housing material are separated between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials results in a nuanced typing experience, where the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in different parts of the switch contributes to a diverse sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is lighter in both categories. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Blue Topaz more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing, allowing for longer periods of use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, the Blue Topaz offers a lighter touch, while the Crystal Brown provides a medium-light touch, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz offering a slightly quicker response time for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Crystal Brown 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 offers a clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that enhances the typing experience with its crisp and bright tone. Paired with its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, the Blue Topaz provides a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is characterized by an easy-to-press actuation that requires minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Crystal Brown's tactile feel qualities are not specified.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch would be a great option for you. While subjective qualities for the Crystal Brown switch are unknown, if it follows the trend of many tactile switches, you may expect a more tactile feel and possibly a quieter sound. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for key feel and sound. If you value a super smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with a light actuation force and a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key feel with a medium-light actuation force and a tactile bump for feedback without the added sound characteristics, then the Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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