HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Maple Leaf. The HMX Blue Topaz is a linear switch known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breezy typing experience. Its distinctive glitter housing adds visual appeal, while the clacky sound signature enhances the auditory delight for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While the Maple Leaf does not have specific standout features mentioned, tactile switches are generally preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. If you prefer an easy-to-press and clacky switch, the Blue Topaz might be the right choice for you. 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
2.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. While both materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile, the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate housing emphasizes sharpness, while the Maple Leaf's nylon housing focuses on depth and fullness.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Blue Topaz and Maple Leaf switches also play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel compared to switches with harder bottom housings. While the differences in top and bottom housing materials may split the qualities each material brings to the switch, both the Blue Topaz and Maple Leaf switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and Outemu Maple Leaf switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate housing emphasizes sharpness and clarity in sound, particularly suited for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's nylon housing offers a deeper, fuller sound that may appeal to users looking for a more rounded typing feel. Both switches provide unique qualities based on their housing materials, giving users the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Ultimately, whether opting for the Blue Topaz or Maple Leaf switches, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch with a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Topaz requires 48 grams while the Maple Leaf needs 65 grams, showing a similar pattern of the Blue Topaz being lighter and the Maple Leaf being heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, the Blue Topaz would be a better choice. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a more substantial typing feel, the Maple Leaf would be the ideal option. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for typing force and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Blue Topaz has a slightly longer distance compared to the Maple Leaf. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf, while those who prefer a more tactile and deep keystroke experience may opt for the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, but the slight variation may impact the overall typing experience for some users.
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 Maple Leaf 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound signature adds a satisfying tactile feedback to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is renowned for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth actuation and lightweight feel. Typists will find that these switches require minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions and providing a comfortable typing experience overall. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown, leaving us unable to make a direct comparison in terms of typing feel.
Considering the available information, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, providing users with a satisfying and effortless typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remain unknown, it is worth noting that the Blue Topaz switch offers a unique combination of smooth actuation, light weight, and audible feedback. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the HMX Blue Topaz, you may find a comparable experience in other linear switches with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a light and smooth actuation with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a tactile feedback without a specific sound profile, the Maple Leaf could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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