HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Smoothie linear switches stand out as top contenders. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and light feel, providing users with a seamless typing experience. Its distinctive glitter housing adds a touch of visual appeal, while the clacky sound signature adds an auditory element to keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is celebrated for its affordability without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch. While the Blue Topaz is best suited for those who prefer easy-to-press and clacky switches, the Smoothie appeals to users who enjoy buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky switches. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Smoothie, one noticeable difference lies in the top housing. While the Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, the Smoothie opts for a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The choice of material in the top housing greatly impacts the overall sound profile of the switch, with the Blue Topaz offering a clearer and resonant sound compared to the Smoothie's more subdued tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches take different approaches in their material choices. The Blue Topaz incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to its unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. Despite the different material choices in the bottom housing, both switches provide a pleasing and distinct sound that adds to the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Blue Topaz and the Gateron Smoothie differ in their choice of housing materials, both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue Topaz creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM material in the Smoothie produces a deeper and more muted tone. Whether it be the top or bottom housing, each material brings its own qualities to the typing experience, impacting both the sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Topaz and the Smoothie will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is the same at 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Topaz is slightly heavier at 48 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Smoothie. This means that the Blue Topaz switch offers a lighter typing experience with a slight increase in force needed to bottom out, while the Smoothie's typing experience may be lighter overall, but the exact force required to bottom out is unclear. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, both switches would likely provide similar results. However, for those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel, the Blue Topaz may be the slightly heavier option due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Topaz. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. Some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie to be more responsive, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Topaz for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a distinct clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and satisfying thud when pressing and releasing keys. The Smoothie also offers a low-pitched and subdued sound profile, giving users a more mellow typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, the Blue Topaz may be preferred for its bright and percussive sound, while the Smoothie may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more resonant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear 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 allows for effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Gateron Smoothie linear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. The Smoothie's lubricated design or specific materials contribute to a seamless typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. Depending on personal preferences, the Blue Topaz may be favored for its light and responsive typing feel, while the Smoothie may appeal to those seeking a luxurious and smooth keystroke experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz stands out with its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press nature, while the Smoothie impresses with its thocky sound and buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the bright and percussive sound of the Blue Topaz or the deep and resonant sound of the Smoothie. Similarly, users can opt for the light and effortless keystrokes of the Blue Topaz or the smooth and luxurious typing experience of the Smoothie. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, allowing users to tailor their choice based on sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light actuation force and a super smooth keystroke experience with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with a thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie might be the better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing journey.
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