HMX Blue Topaz vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breeze-like typing experience. Its distinctive glitter housing not only catches the eye but also produces a satisfyingly clacky sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, inspired by the basketball duo Steph and Klay, offer a shorter activation and a long pole stem for a unique typing feel. These switches boast a creamy sound signature and are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. While the Blue Topaz is easy to press and clacky, the Splash Brothers are known for their speed and dynamic typing experience. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Splash Brothers share many similarities, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound quality that is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances their aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with lighting effects.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Blue Topaz. This shared housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of performance, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials of each switch play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches, manufacturers can tailor the sound profile and typing feel to meet the preferences of users. Ultimately, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the Blue Topaz may be preferred by users who prefer to type for longer periods without feeling fatigued, while the Splash Brothers switch may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Topaz. The difference may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Splash Brothers with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the Blue Topaz with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a creamy sound signature, offering a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of settings. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the sound produced by each switch can add a unique touch to your typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is known for its easy-to-press design, offering a smooth actuation and requiring minimal force to activate. This lightweight feel enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and making every keystroke effortless. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience with a snappy and bouncy feel. The sensation of these switches falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users with its lively and responsive feedback.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth and light typing experience accompanied by a clacky sound signature, the Splash Brothers switches offer a more neutral sound profile with a mild and approachable typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience, both switches are sure to provide satisfying results that cater to a variety of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a super smooth actuation and a lightweight feel, along with a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter activation and a creamy sound signature, along with a mild and snappy typing experience, then the Splash Brothers could be more suitable for your needs. Consider the type of typing experience you desire and the sound profile that best suits your preferences, and choose the switch that aligns most closely with those criteria. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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