HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and Bsun Tomcat both stand out as appealing linear options, each catering to different preferences in the typing experience. The Blue Topaz excels with its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, ensuring that every keystroke is effortless. Its striking glittery housing and clacky sound signature provide a delightful visual and auditory experience, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a bit of flair alongside functionality. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat delivers a similarly smooth typing experience with its Ly stems, notable for their resonant sound profile that offers a unique auditory feedback without the clackiness. This makes the Tomcat an attractive option for users seeking a more subdued yet satisfying auditory experience. While both switches share a commitment to smoothness, their auditory outputs and design features cater to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Tomcat, it becomes clear that both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material contributes to the creation of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, which is a defining characteristic. The use of polycarbonate allows for excellent sound resonance due to its stiffness, ensuring that users enjoy a more articulate auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual appeal while delivering vivid illumination of the switch’s internals.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Blue Topaz and Tomcat are made of nylon, which leads to a distinct sound profile that varies from that of the polycarbonate top. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This complementary relationship between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom means that the attributes of each material influence the overall sound and feel of the switch during different phases of use. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the bottom-out experience, while the polycarbonate top creates a clearer sound upon releasing the key.
Overall, while the Blue Topaz and Tomcat share the same housing materials for both the top and bottom, the distinct characteristics of each material create a rich and layered acoustic experience. The combination of a polycarbonate top that emphasizes clarity and brightness, alongside a nylon bottom that fosters a deeper resonance, allows users to enjoy a well-rounded typing experience. Both switches, through their specific material choices, achieve a harmonious blend of sound profiles that cater to the preferences of various users, making them appealing options in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, giving it a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for typing. While both switches have a linear design, the Blue Topaz is the lighter option, catering to those who enjoy a more effortless keypress, while the Tomcat, being the heavier choice, provides more resistance for users seeking a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, if you desire a lighter feel, the Blue Topaz would be the better option, while those who appreciate a firmer push may gravitate towards the Tomcat.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat the shorter of the two, catering to users who favor quicker responses, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster performance. Conversely, the Blue Topaz, with its deeper 3.9 mm travel, provides a heftier feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches are within the realm of typical linear switch designs, the choice between them fundamentally depends on individual preference for responsiveness versus a more traditional depth in keystrokes.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
The sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, delivering a crisp and percussive auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This sharp and bright sound is particularly appealing to users who enjoy the auditory satisfaction that comes from each keystroke. On the other hand, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, specifics about its auditory qualities remain unspecified. It's worth mentioning that the sound produced by a switch can vary significantly based on various factors, including the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, so users might achieve similar auditory satisfaction with both switches depending on their setup.
Regarding feel, the Blue Topaz switch shines with its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance makes each keystroke feel effortless and significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Tomcat switch is underscored by its Ly stems, which are designed to deliver a super smooth typing experience. However, details regarding the specific resistance or tactile feedback offered by the Tomcat switch have not been disclosed, leaving its exact feel somewhat ambiguous.
In summary, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches aim to provide a delightful typing experience, albeit with varying sound and feel characterizations. Users seeking a clacky auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Blue Topaz, while those interested in the Tomcat may appreciate its focus on smoothness. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results based on your personal preferences, and they may excel in complementing different typing styles depending on additional factors, such as keyboard build and keycap material.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lightweight and effortless keystroke, the Blue Topaz is an excellent option, especially suitable for long typing sessions due to its low actuation force of 48 grams and the easy-to-press feel, minimizing finger fatigue. Its clacky sound profile can add a bit of auditory excitement to your typing experience, making it a good fit for those who enjoy some auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer experience that still provides smooth operation, the Tomcat linear switch—with its medium-light actuation force of 54 grams—may be your go-to. The Ly stems contribute to a smooth typing motion while delivering a more resonant sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a richer auditory experience without the high-pitched clack. Consider these factors based on your typing style and environment, and you'll be better equipped to select the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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