HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent White are two options that stand out. The Blue Topaz is a linear switch that boasts a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its clacky sound signature and eye-catching glitter housing. On the other hand, the Silent White is also a linear switch with a silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is best suited for those looking for an easy-to-press switch with a distinctive sound, the Silent White caters to users who value a silent typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent White switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Silent White also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in sound profile as the Blue Topaz.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz provides a unique sound experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel based on the materials used in the housing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent White switches offer similar sound profiles due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, the differences in their nylon bottom housings create slight variations in sound quality. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent White produces a similar effect. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, making the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference based on desired sound profiles and typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Topaz requires 48 grams to bottom out, while the Silent White needs 60 grams. The Blue Topaz provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for long typing sessions and gaming, while the Silent White offers a slightly heavier feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Blue Topaz has a longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. A longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress feel for some users, as it allows for a deeper press. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, which can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper press or a quicker response time in your typing experience.
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 White 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 satisfyingly clacky experience, with each keystroke producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound signature adds an extra layer of feedback and satisfaction to typing sessions, enhancing the overall user experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during longer typing sessions. The overall typing feel is responsive and low-impact, contributing to a pleasant and smooth typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is unavailable, making it difficult to draw comparisons in this aspect.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation, lightweight feel, clacky sound signature, and easy-to-press nature. It offers a delightful typing experience that combines visual appeal with auditory feedback, making it a popular choice among users looking for a seamless and enjoyable typing session. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remain unknown, it is possible to expect similar results in terms of feel and sound if it follows the silent switch trend of providing a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and silent operation, the Silent White may suit your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a light and smooth typing experience with an audible feedback or a medium resistance and quiet typing experience. Make your choice based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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