HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. Its distinctive glittery housing not only catches the eye but also produces a satisfying clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, leaving users to explore its performance firsthand. While the Blue Topaz is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-press switch with a clacky sound, the Spring Breeze offers a different 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
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 Spring Breeze switches differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
However, both the Blue Topaz and the Spring Breeze switches share a common nylon bottom housing material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing material in these switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched typing sound. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a more mellow typing experience. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing feel regardless of the top housing material, making both switches viable options for different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Blue Topaz has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz offers a lighter overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Spring Breeze provides a bit more resistance, giving a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being on the shorter end. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more deliberate key press may lean towards the Spring Breeze with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 Spring Breeze 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
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. The distinctive glitter housing not only adds a visually appealing touch but also contributes to a clacky sound signature that enhances the auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have specific information available about its sound or feel qualities, making it difficult to directly compare to the Blue Topaz. However, based on what is known about linear and clicky switches in general, it can be assumed that the Spring Breeze clicky switch may offer a different tactile experience with a louder and more tactile click sound compared to the smooth and quiet actuation of the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your preferred bottom out force and typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
Mentioned in this article
