HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Swift both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, is recognized for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with a seamless typing experience. Its distinctive glitter housing adds visual appeal and pairs perfectly with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Swift, also a linear switch, stands out with its deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings. Additionally, the Swift offers a silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as easy to press and clacky, the Swift is classified as clacky, easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Swift, we see that both switches feature nylon top housing. This material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Blue Topaz differs with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound produced by a switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Blue Topaz and the Swift utilize nylon for this component. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch when it is pressed down. By using nylon for the bottom housing, both switches aim to provide users with a tactile typing experience that is both satisfying and consistent.
Overall, while the Blue Topaz and the Swift share similarities in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, their differing top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Swift's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch sound profiles can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing experience and sound aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a smooth and light typing experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Whether you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force of the Blue Topaz or a slightly heavier actuation force of the Swift, both switches deliver a comfortable typing experience without causing fatigue. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch is both 3.9 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Overall, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with the same travel distance, providing users with a familiar feel regardless of which option they select.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Swift linear switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed. However, the Blue Topaz offers a more distinctive clackiness due to its glittery housing, providing users with a visually and acoustically pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift switch stands out with a deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housing, offering a unique auditory sensation that complements its smooth actuation.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force of both the Blue Topaz and Swift switches offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Swift switch is noted for its feathery sensation, providing a light and comfortable typing experience that is suitable for gaming, school, or work. The Bouncy and Creamy descriptors associated with the Swift switch further emphasize the smooth and elastic feedback it offers, making each keystroke a satisfying experience.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Swift linear switches offer users a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a visually and acoustically distinctive typing sensation with its glittery housing, the Swift switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smooth actuation. Whether you choose the Blue Topaz or Swift switch, you can expect a similar level of ease and comfort in your typing experience, with minor variations in sound and feel to suit your personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the following guidelines. You may want to choose the Blue Topaz if you prioritize a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, with a distinctive glittery housing that offers a clacky sound signature for both visual and auditory delight. On the other hand, you may prefer the Swift if you appreciate a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a lighter, clacky typing experience (Blue Topaz) or a smoother, deeper sound profile (Swift). Both switches offer an easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. Consider your preferences and typing style to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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