HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Bsun Taichi offer distinct experiences, each appealing to different types of users. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making for effortless keystrokes that enhance typing speed and comfort. Its eye-catching glittery housing and clacky sound profile add both visual flair and auditory enjoyment to the typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a lively key press. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi focuses on delivering an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to unparalleled smoothness and stability during use. While the Blue Topaz may cater more to those who enjoy a tactile feedback with their sparkle, the Taichi may appeal to users seeking a more stable and consistent feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Taichi demonstrate notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is renowned for producing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of the material allows for a clearer and more resonant sound experience, making it ideal for applications where acoustics matter. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, ensuring that users enjoy visually appealing illumination effects that accentuate their keyboard setup. The shared characteristics of the top housing in both models suggest that users can expect a similarly vibrant auditory experience when activating the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Blue Topaz and the Taichi is constructed from nylon, which contributes significantly to the overall acoustic profile of the switches. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its softer texture, resulting in deeper and fuller sound profiles when engaged. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The choice of nylon as the bottom housing for both switches means they not only share this sound characteristic but also ensure that the tactile feedback during typing is pleasingly cushioned and less harsh. Users can anticipate a consistent experience in sound quality that complements the sharper tones from the polycarbonate upper.
When both housings work together, the unique features of each contribute to the overall tactile and auditory experience of the switch. The polycarbonate top influences the sound profile on key release, enhancing clarity, while the nylon bottom impacts the overall feel and bottom-out sound during key presses. Thus, although the materials differ in their properties, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom across both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Taichi means that users can achieve a harmonious balance of sound and feel, resulting in a satisfying keystroke experience regardless of the model chosen.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit similarities in their actuation forces, both requiring 40 grams to trigger a keystroke, which contributes to a lighter typing experience preferred for prolonged use, such as during extended work sessions or gaming. In contrast, the bottom out force is where the two switches diverge; the Blue Topaz has a definitive bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Taichi's bottom out force is unknown. This uncertainty means that users may not be able to gauge the overall resistance when fully pressing the Taichi switch. Consequently, the Blue Topaz is the heavier option for bottoming out, while both switches maintain the same actuation force, reinforcing a consistent feel in the actuation phase. Ultimately, for those who favor a lighter switch, the HMX Blue Topaz provides a clear choice, especially given its well-defined characteristics.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Blue Topaz provides a more pronounced keypress experience, which some users may find preferable for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Taichi's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as it can facilitate faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Taichi would be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you appreciate a deeper feel when typing, the HMX Blue Topaz would likely suit your preferences better.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy audio feedback with each keystroke. This adds a level of auditory satisfaction that many users find appealing, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is notable for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is a result of its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems. While both switches contribute to a pleasing auditory experience, the Blue Topaz offers a more pronounced clack, whereas the Taichi’s sound is described as more ethereal and melodic. The ultimate sound experience, however, will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz excels with its super smooth actuation and lightweight design, requiring minimal effort to press each key. This gentle resistance reduces finger fatigue and makes for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, making it especially suitable for those who spend long hours at their keyboards. Conversely, details about the feel of the Bsun Taichi switch remain unspecified, leaving an element of curiosity surrounding its tactile response. However, given the Blue Topaz's easy-to-press quality, it's likely that the Taichi aims for a similarly effortless experience, but without direct information, one can only conjecture.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique aspects that appeal to different user preferences. The Blue Topaz provides a visually striking, clacky sound and a lightweight feel that promotes seamless typing, while the Taichi brings its own charm with a high-pitched bottom-out sound and a strong emphasis on smoothness and stability. Though the Taichi's tactile characteristics are unknown, if it aligns with the general qualities of premium linear switches, it could offer a comparable experience to the Blue Topaz, highlighting the diversity within linear switches and giving newcomers various options based on their specific auditory and tactile desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you're someone who enjoys a lightweight, effortless keystroke with a visually appealing design and a pleasing clacky sound, the HMX Blue Topaz will be an ideal match for you. Its smooth actuation and light bottom-out force of 48 grams make it perfect for long typing sessions, allowing you to type without experiencing significant finger fatigue. On the other hand, if your preference leans toward an exceptionally smooth and stable typing feel with a unique auditory experience, the Bsun Taichi switch may be the right choice, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs that promise unmatched stability. While the exact bottom-out force remains unknown, you can expect it to provide a distinctive high-pitched sound that could enhance your typing pleasure. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want your keyboard to perform in terms of tactile feedback, sound, and overall aesthetics.
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