HMX Blue Topaz vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique benefits for different preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. With a distinctive glitter housing and a clacky sound signature, it provides a visually and audibly delightful experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent Red is known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile that is perfect for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. It also offers a consistent feel from top to bottom and a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Silent Red is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, particularly for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting effects. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by its softer material that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile, which is more rounded and dull compared to the Blue Topaz's bottom housing.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, it is in their bottom housing where they diverge in sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz produces a distinct sound that is deep, full, and absorbent of sound, resulting in a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing offers a different sound profile, also deep and full, but with a duller and rounder quality. This indicates that while the top housing plays a role in the sound as a key is released, the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Silent Red switches may share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, but it is their differing nylon bottom housings that give each switch its distinct sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Blue Topaz delivering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Red provides a slightly rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics and typing feel, as the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making it more sensitive to touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Topaz again has a lighter 48 grams compared to the heavier 63.5 grams of the Silent Red. These differences in force levels result in a significant variance in typing feel and feedback between the two switches. The Blue Topaz provides a lighter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Red offers a more substantial push feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, the Blue Topaz provides a slightly deeper key press experience than the Silent Red. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, both switches offer a modern approach to travel distance and will provide similar results in terms of 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding an audible delight to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch boasts a muted sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment, particularly in an office or shared living space. Both switches provide distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz offering a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Silent Red's subtle and subdued noise level.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a buttery and polished typing experience, with a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation that is approachable and comfortable to most users. The Silent Red switch also features a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort during typing sessions.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press typing experience, the Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to suit their specific needs. Regardless of choice, both switches guarantee a smooth and seamless typing experience that is sure to enhance productivity and comfort during extended use.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a visually appealing design and a clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and buttery typing feel with a muted sound profile that is perfect for shared spaces, the TTC Silent Red switch might be more fitting for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch, and make your decision based on that.
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