HMX Blue Topaz vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Purple Star each offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Blue Topaz is celebrated for its lightweight and super smooth actuation, providing a delightful and effortless keystroke experience alongside a distinctive clacky sound that appeals to auditory enthusiasts. Its eye-catching glittery housing not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches stand out with their all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth feel accompanied by a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for light typists seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star is perfect for those who value ease of use without compromising on performance. While both options boast ease of actuation and smoothness, their sound profiles and construction materials cater to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Purple Star, significant differences in sound profiles emerge from their respective materials. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory experience but also accommodates RGB lighting effectively, making it a visually appealing option. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes POM plastic for its top housing, which produces a more muted sound profile leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum. The softer sound generated by POM gives the Purple Star a unique auditory quality that differs markedly from the clarity and brightness offered by the Blue Topaz.
The bottom housing also contributes to the variations in sound and feel for each switch. The Blue Topaz is comprised of nylon for its bottom housing, imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This construction results in a duller, rounder sound signature when the switch is bottomed out. On the other hand, the Purple Star features a POM bottom housing, which similarly yields a muted sound but distinctively different than that of nylon. Despite both employing POM for the top housing and generating a deeper sound g, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom introduces a contrast in feel and sound that diversifies the overall experience when using these switches.
In essence, while both the Blue Topaz and Purple Star offer unique sound profiles through their different top and bottom housing materials, the combination of these elements creates distinctive results. The interaction of the polycarbonate's sharpness with the softness of nylon in the Blue Topaz allows for a bright, clear response, whereas the Purple Star's completely POM-built housing results in a consistently muted yet pleasant auditory experience. If the materials were the same, as noted with the top housing of both switches, we would anticipate some overlap in sound profile characteristics, yielding a more harmonious blend of auditory cues and tactile feedback. However, the combination of differing materials distinctly shapes each switch, ensuring that users will have unique experiences regardless of their commonalities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, both are characterized as light switches but have slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Purple Star has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Blue Topaz the lighter of the two, appealing to users who prefer easier keystrokes for extended typing sessions or gaming. Meanwhile, the Purple Star, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger push. Both switches, however, fall within the light spectrum, ensuring that users of either will experience a relatively easy typing experience, but those seeking a firmer resistance should gravitate towards the KTT Purple Star for a bit more heft.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Purple Star linear switches, the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, whereas the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz the option for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, providing a more pronounced feel when pressing down. On the other hand, the Purple Star's shorter travel distance can offer quicker response times, appealing particularly to gamers who thrive on speed and efficiency. While both switches serve different preferences, the Blue Topaz is better suited for users who enjoy a more robust typing experience, whereas the Purple Star caters to those who appreciate swiftness and agility in their keystrokes.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 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 characterized by a clacky sound signature. This creates a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can provide an engaging typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and dynamic. The sound is crisp and bright, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic element in their typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched, mellow tone. This more subdued sound signature results in a quieter typing experience, which some may prefer for a more discreet environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two sound profiles would depend on individual preference, as both switches create distinct auditory atmospheres that could complement different typing setups.
In terms of feel, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Purple Star switches shine with their light actuation force, making them easy to press. The Blue Topaz features a very smooth actuation that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue significantly. The Purple Star also provides this gentle resistance, but it adds a layer of mildness to its overall tactile experience. This means that while both switches are approachable and effortless to type on, the Purple Star may appeal to users looking for a more neutral and gentle typing feel, while the Blue Topaz offers a slightly more lively feedback.
Taking all of this into consideration, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is an excellent choice for users seeking a vibrant auditory experience paired with a smooth and easy-to-press action. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a subtler sound profile while retaining the benefits of a lightweight and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing experience, and your selection will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Purple Star linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a lively typing experience characterized by a charming clacky sound and a visually appealing glittery housing, the Blue Topaz is a fantastic choice. Its lightweight feel and smooth actuation make it ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming and may find joy in the audio feedback it provides. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature and a consistent typing experience devoid of distractions, the KTT Purple Star is likely the better option. With its buttery smooth feel, all-POM construction, and mild characteristics, it excels in providing comfort for extended typing sessions without compromising performance. Both switches cater to light typists, but the Blue Topaz will exhilarate those who appreciate a bit of style and sound, while the Purple Star offers a serene typing environment for those who favor simplicity and consistency. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what aspects matter most to you as a user.
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