HMX Blue Topaz vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that have garnered attention are the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The Blue Topaz is a linear switch that stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that offers a medium level of resistance when pressed, ensuring precision and comfort while typing. While the Blue Topaz is known for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is praised for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite using different bottom housing materials, the top housing of both switches will have a significant impact on the sound when a key is pressed or released. While the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile on bottom-out, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a crisper sound. However, the differences in sound between the two switches may not be significant due to the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches excel in providing a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Blue Topaz offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while both switches share the benefits of a sharp and crisp sound profile from their polycarbonate top housing. Whether you prioritize the impact of the bottom housing on the sound when pressing a key or the overall sound clarity, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Blue Topaz requires 40 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) needs 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of these switches make them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may want to consider switches with heavier forces. Overall, while the Blue Topaz switch is slightly lighter than the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch, both provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blue Topaz offers a bit more depth with its 3.9 mm travel distance, which some users may appreciate for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a slightly lighter and quicker press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, providing users with a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing environment suitable for shared spaces or office settings. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a louder or more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation for users. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is considered mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience that caters to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a muted sound and a buttery typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you value a super smooth and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile feel with a quiet typing experience that is perfect for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish White switch is the better option. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether you prioritize smooth actuation and audible feedback or tactile feedback and silent operation. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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