HMX Blue Topaz vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you might come across the HMX Blue Topaz and the TKC Tangerine, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz is known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, accompanied by a distinctive glittery housing that provides a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, and produces a high-pitched clack when typing. While the Blue Topaz is easy-to-press and clacky, the Tangerine is frictionless, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but diving deeper beyond these generalities will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the TKC Tangerine, we can see that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their materials. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In terms of aesthetics, the Blue Topaz's translucent polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing is praised for its newer and bright sound signature.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing also offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, aligning with the overall sound profile of the switch. Both switches showcase how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound produced by the switch.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the TKC Tangerine have their differences, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique characteristics. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound profile of the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing or the bright sound signature of the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing, each switch offers a distinct sound profile that caters to different preferences. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon for the Blue Topaz and UHWMPE for the Tangerine both contribute to the overall sound signature and typing experience of each switch, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch. The Blue Topaz requires 40 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. However, the Tangerine has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, in contrast to the Blue Topaz's 48 grams. This means that while the Blue Topaz may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tangerine offers a more substantial feel with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, slightly shorter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may prefer the TKC Tangerine switch, while those looking for a quicker, more responsive key press may lean towards the HMX Blue Topaz switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, known for its sharp and percussive tone when pressed. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is crisp and sharp. This difference in sound profile allows users to choose based on their preferences for keyboard sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard build and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch provides an easy-to-press experience, characterized by gentle resistance and light actuation force. This results in effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing sensation, with a polished finish that enhances smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, but the Tangerine switch may appeal more to those who prefer an extremely effortless keystroke experience.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different user preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound and easy-to-press switches, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery typing sensation, the Tangerine switch may better suit your typing style. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide a premium typing experience that is sure to elevate your overall keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a distinctive clacky sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is the way to go. It offers easy-to-press keys with a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile with an incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be more up your alley. It provides a buttery and polished typing experience that allows for fluid and uniform keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Topaz and Tangerine switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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