HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making every keystroke an effortless experience. It offers a clacky sound signature that adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to typing, complemented by its eye-catching glittery housing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie emerges as a medium-weight switch that combines quality craftsmanship with affordability. Known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, the Smoothie provides a satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Blue Topaz for those who love an audible click and visual flair, and the Sea Salt Smoothie for users seeking a more muted yet refined tactile feedback. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Blue Topaz employs a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its stiffness and capacity to project a high-pitched, crisp sound that resonates well, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its transparency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing that contributes to a notably deeper and more muted sound. The material composition of each switch offers a contrasting acoustic character, with the sharper clarity of polycarbonate in the Blue Topaz versus the softer, rounder tones produced by the POM housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Interestingly, both switches share a similar quality in their bottom housing materials, albeit with different compositions. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, revered for its sound-absorbing properties that yield a fuller, deeper tone, enhancing the overall auditory experience during typing. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, while known for its unique sound profile, similarly produces a deep and muted sound. This shared characteristic in their bottom housings suggests that although they may diverge in material for the top section, the foundational auditory quality remains resonant, promoting a more cohesive sound experience while typing regardless of the specific switch chosen.
When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in dictating the overall feel and bottom-out sound. With the nylon in the Blue Topaz providing a softer touch and a distinct sound profile, and the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie offering a similarly deep, yet uniquely muted sonic signature, both switches deliver satisfying actuations. The differences in top housing material will emerge most prominently in the release sound, making the typing experience between the two switches somewhat unique. Ultimately, while the Blue Topaz and Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit varied characteristics due to their top materials, the similarities in their bottom housings provide a degree of consistency in auditory and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Blue Topaz features a light actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, whereas the Blue Topaz has a clearly defined bottom out force of 48 grams. This specification indicates that while both switches share the same bottom out force, their actuation forces cater to different preferences: the lighter Blue Topaz is better suited for those who value ease and comfort, while the heavier Sea Salt Smoothie might be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Thus, users should consider their typing habits and preferences when choosing between these two options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Blue Topaz offers a slightly more pronounced depth when pressed down, which can provide a more tactile feel and may be preferred by users who enjoy a hearty keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to offer quicker responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference, as the Blue Topaz is better suited for those who enjoy a deeper travel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who favor a more immediate response.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky signature, which produces a sharp, bright, and percussive noise upon actuation. This distinctive sound can be quite satisfying, particularly for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. It creates an engaging experience, particularly when combined with the unique glittery housing that makes the switch visually striking. On the other hand, while the specific sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie isn't detailed, it is noted to produce a thocky sound profile, which typically delivers a deeper, more muted punch compared to the crisper sound of the Blue Topaz. This difference in auditory feedback caters to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike, as the thockiness can provide a more subdued and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a less pronounced sound.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Blue Topaz linear switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This lightweight actuation enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue significantly. The responsive, low-impact typing experience it provides makes it a great choice for those looking for a smooth typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is marketed as a medium-weight switch, which generally suggests a slightly firmer resistance during key presses compared to the Blue Topaz. This may impart a more substantial feel under the fingers, appealing to users who prefer a bit more feedback and weight in their keystrokes, while still aiming for smooth performance.
In summary, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide a smooth typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue Topaz offers a clacky auditory feedback and an ultra-light actuation force, ideal for those who enjoy crisp sounds and effortless typing. The Sea Salt Smoothie, with its thocky sound profile and medium actuation weight, may appeal to users seeking a more grounded auditory experience combined with a moderately responsive feel. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences based on varying user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lightweight feel and enjoy a keyboard that produces a clacky sound, the Blue Topaz would be a great fit for you. Its easy-to-press nature makes it ideal for long typing sessions, as the gentle resistance minimizes finger fatigue. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize a fun and engaging typing experience, enhanced by its distinctive glittery appearance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced, thocky sound profile along with a medium-weight resistance, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the switch for you. This switch offers exceptional smoothness while delivering solid feedback, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel with their keystrokes. In summary, your choice between these two switches should reflect whether you lean towards a lightweight and playful experience with the Blue Topaz or a more robust and muted typing sound with the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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