HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique features to suit different preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, perfect for those looking for an easy-to-press switch with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch by Outemu provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is particularly useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing effect. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz and Silent Grey differ in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, typing on these switches will have a more rounded and duller sound due to the qualities of the nylon bottom housing.
Despite the differences in the bottom housing material, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Grey share the same polycarbonate top housing. This commonality means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it beneficial for those who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the similarities in the top housing material ensure that users can expect consistent sound characteristics from both switches.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when letting go of the key. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz and Silent Grey will have a more substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will contribute to the sound profile when releasing a key, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound. Overall, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Topaz 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 touch while typing. In comparison, the Silent Grey has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. The Blue Topaz is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Silent Grey falls on the medium-heavy side. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Silent Grey. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Blue Topaz due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Silent Grey. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.
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 Silent Grey 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 is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet typing experience, so the sound produced is minimal. However, the actual sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth actuation and lightweight feel that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, giving users a satisfying feel with each press.
Overall, if sound is a key factor for you, the Blue Topaz linear switch will provide a clacky sound signature that adds a nice auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch will offer a quiet and tactile typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of feel and sound, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and lightweight keystroke with a visually and audibly appealing clacky sound, then the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keypress, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
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