HMX Blue Topaz vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Sea Glass are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with a clacky sound signature and eye-catching glitter housing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass series by Durock stands out with its pastel colors and proprietary material blend that provides a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer an easy-to-press feel, making them suitable for users looking for a smooth and effortless 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Sea Glass, the most noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Topaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a pleasant sound profile that is bright but not overly sharp. This blend gives the Sea Glass a distinct auditory experience compared to the Blue Topaz.
When it comes to bottom housing materials, both the Blue Topaz and Sea Glass share the use of Nylon in their construction. Nylon is recognized for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, contrasting the characteristics of the top housing materials. Despite both switches utilizing Nylon for their bottom housing, the distinct blend of the Sea Glass's top housing material sets it apart from the Blue Topaz in terms of the overall sound profile and typing experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Sea Glass lead to contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Blue Topaz offers a sharper and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Sea Glass provides a unique sound profile that is brighter and more pleasant with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. Both switches share the use of Nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a fuller sound profile that differs from the characteristics of their top housing materials. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials impacts the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch, making them suitable for different preferences and purposes.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch differ in terms of weight. The HMX Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Blue Topaz, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass is better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm and the very shallow 3.0mm travel distances. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1mm between the two switches' travel distances is minimal, and users can expect similar results regardless of which option they choose.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, delivering a sharp and snappy noise with each press, creating a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch provides a uniquely hollow sound that adds an airy quality to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that can enhance the overall satisfaction of the user, with the Blue Topaz focusing on a brighter and more prominent sound, while the Sea Glass offers a softer and more subtle noise.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is described as easy-to-press, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch boasts a frictionless feel, offering a fluid and smooth travel with a weightless sensation that defies expectations. The Sea Glass switch also provides a mild and feathery typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. Both switches offer a pleasant and low-impact feel, catering to users who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both bring unique qualities to the table. The Blue Topaz stands out with its clacky sound signature and lightweight feel, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a distinct dry, wispiness to its typing experience, along with a frictionless and weightless feel that defies expectations. Whether you prefer a brighter, more prominent sound like the Blue Topaz or a softer, more subtle sound like the Sea Glass, both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience that will leave users satisfied. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured, both options will deliver a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a light actuation force of 48 grams and a smooth, clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, then the Blue Topaz might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 62 grams with a frictionless, feathery feel and a unique hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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