HMX Blue Topaz vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Purple Click. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. With its eye-catching glittery housing and clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz offers a visually and audibly appealing typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click, a clicky switch, is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click that adds a tactile feel to each keystroke. The Purple Click strikes a perfect balance between being light and tactile, providing users with a rewarding 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
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite their differences in color and design, the use of these materials in both switches results in a unique auditory experience.
While the top housings of the Blue Topaz and Purple Click share the same material, their bottom housings differ, showcasing the impact of housing material on the sound and feel of a switch. The split in housing materials allows each component to contribute its own qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing, constructed of polycarbonate, affects the sound when releasing a key. This distribution of materials creates a dynamic typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound.
In terms of housing materials, the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Purple Click offer a similar user experience in terms of sound profile due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housings. Both switches produce sharp, clear, and resonant sounds when typing, setting them apart from switches made with other materials. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite any aesthetic differences between the two switches, their housing materials play a significant role in creating a distinctive typing feel and sound profile for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option of the two. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. In contrast, the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams, similar to the Blue Topaz, but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Purple Click more to their liking due to its medium-light bottom out force. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience for users, with the Blue Topaz offering a lighter feel and the Purple Click offering a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances (3.0 mm to 4.0 mm), with the Blue Topaz being on the lower end and the Purple Click being on the higher end. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Purple Click with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Blue Topaz offers a clacky and sharp sound that is both crisp and bright, providing users with an auditory experience that matches the smooth actuation of the switch. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch delivers a crunchy and resonant sound that is satisfyingly high-pitched, creating a unique typing ambiance that is both tactile and immersive. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users have a wide range of options to choose from based on their sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz switch provides an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This lightweight and gentle resistance enhances the typing experience, making it effortless and comfortable for users. On the contrary, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The stepped feel of the switch provides a unique tactile experience that is reactive and snappy, adding a layer of complexity to each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Blue Topaz linear switch and the Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth and light actuation paired with a clacky sound, the Purple Click offers a high-pitched and crunchy click with an invigorating and reactive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lightweight feel and a distinctive clacky sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a satisfying high-pitched click, moderate actuation force, and a tactile feel that is both invigorating and stepped, then the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and priorities carefully when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you select the one that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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