HMX Blue Topaz vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are both linear switches that offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with a distinctive glitter housing that adds visual appeal and a clacky sound signature for auditory delight. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative semi-silent design that combines whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. It offers a silky smooth typing experience that is not overly polished. The Blue Topaz is best for those who prefer an easy-to-press switch with a clacky feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear is ideal for users looking for a subdued, neutral typing experience with a mix of snappy, buttery, and polished feel. 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
N/A
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
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the two switches may differ in other aspects of their construction.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Topaz and the Semi-Silent Linear feature nylon housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice emphasizes the tactile experience of typing on the switches and can impact the overall feel of the keyboard.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite any differences in housing materials between the Blue Topaz and the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and customizable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Topaz is 48 grams, lighter than the 62 grams required for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. This means that the Blue Topaz provides a lighter typing experience overall. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Topaz for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blue Topaz is slightly longer in travel distance, providing a bit more depth to key presses compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. For those who like a more abrupt feel, the Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This characteristic adds a level of tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its crisp and bright nature. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch presents a more subdued sound profile, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound. This combination creates a unique auditory experience that is more subtle and dampened compared to the Blue Topaz. Users who prefer a quieter typing experience may find the Semi-Silent Linear switch to be more appealing.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience that appeals to a wider range of users. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is noted for its snappy and buttery feel, offering a responsive and smooth typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Blue Topaz leaning towards light and easy actuation, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more approachable and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and mild yet snappy and buttery feel, appealing to those who prefer a quieter and more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound signature, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a slightly higher actuation force and a more subdued sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch and audible feedback or a quieter typing experience with a bit more firmness in key presses. Consider your typing habits and environment when making your choice between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
