HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Twilight, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making it a joy to type on, especially for those who prefer a more responsive touch. Complementing its ergonomic design is a distinctive, glittery housing that not only looks visually appealing but also produces a satisfying clacky sound signature that delights auditory senses. Conversely, the HMX Twilight features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, offering a quieter typing experience while still preserving the beloved clack of HMX switches. This makes it an excellent option for users who want to enjoy the tactile feedback without the louder noise. Each switch has its own strengths: if you're after a delightful blend of visual aesthetics and audible response, the Blue Topaz may be your go-to; however, if you prefer a more discreet experience with just as much physical feedback, the Twilight could be your ideal match. 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
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Twilight switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, with the Blue Topaz utilizing polycarbonate and the Twilight featuring nylon. The choice of polycarbonate for the Blue Topaz lends its sound profile a sharper, higher-pitched resonance, providing a crisper auditory experience that is particularly enhanced by RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. This characteristic makes the Blue Topaz an excellent candidate for users who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside performance, as the clear polycarbonate housing allows vibrant lighting effects to shine through, amplifying the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the HMX Twilight's nylon top housing offers a completely different sound dynamic. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing some of the sound to create a duller and rounder auditory effect. Consequently, while the Blue Topaz excels in clarity and brightness, the Twilight leans towards a more subdued, warm typing experience. This contrast in auditory profiles between the two switches illustrates the impact of housing material on the overall sound signature, making them suitable for distinct user preferences—one favoring sharpness and clarity, while the other emphasizes warmth and a more mellow tone.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which helps to unify their sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both the Blue Topaz and Twilight contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, leading to a similar bottom-out feel when keys are pressed down. Therefore, even though the top housings vary significantly, the choice of nylon for the bottom ensures that users will experience a level of consistency in the typing experience between the two switches, particularly in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. This interplay of top and bottom materials allows for a diverse range of auditory experiences while maintaining some commonality across both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Twilight linear switches, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, though the Twilight is slightly heavier. The Blue Topaz features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Twilight requires a 42-gram actuation force and has a bottom out force of 50 grams. While both switches provide a relatively low resistance suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, users seeking a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may prefer the slightly heavier Twilight switch. Ultimately, while both switches share similar characteristics in terms of being light, those who enjoy a stronger push should consider the Twilight for its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Twilight linear switches, the Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz the longer of the two, offering a more substantial keystroke depth. As a result, users who favor a deeper switch may find the Blue Topaz more appealing, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Twilight's shorter travel distance might cater to those seeking quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference—if one favors deeper presses, the Blue Topaz is the way to go, whereas the responsive nature of the Twilight serves those who prioritize speed.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is renowned for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy audio response upon actuation. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound adds an engaging auditory dimension to every keystroke, making typing not only functional but also enjoyable. The sound profile is influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and keycap material, so while the Blue Topaz excels in its clackiness, the HMX Twilight, with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, results in a slightly quieter sound. However, both switches maintain the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, ensuring that users can expect a delightful auditory feedback experience regardless of which switch they choose.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz truly shines with its easy-to-press design. The lightweight actuation makes every keystroke effortless, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions and enhancing the overall comfort of the typing experience. Users often report that the gentle resistance allows for a more fluid typing motion. Though there are no specific descriptors provided for the Twilight switch in terms of feel, it is typically expected that a linear switch would maintain a smooth actuation. While the Twilight may not offer the same lightweight feel, it is designed to promote a similar typing experience, though without explicit details, the exact nature of its actuation remains unknown.
In summary, both the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to distinct user preferences, with the Blue Topaz providing a lively and clacky sound alongside a lightweight feel for effortless typing, while the Twilight offers a quieter sound profile due to its extended travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between them will hinge on individual taste regarding sound and the tangential benefits provided by each switch's feel. Even with differences, users can anticipate a satisfying typing experience from either option, reflecting the high standard set by HMX’s design philosophy.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately hinges on your preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prioritize an effortless typing experience and enjoy a lively auditory feedback, the Blue Topaz is the ideal option for you. Its light actuation force of 48 grams and smooth keystrokes will make long typing sessions pleasant, while the clacky sound signature adds an exciting element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with an extended travel distance, the HMX Twilight will suit you better. Although it has a marginally higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, it maintains a relatively quiet yet still percussive sound, making it a good choice for a more subdued work environment without sacrificing the satisfying tactile sensations of HMX switches. Ultimately, assess your personal typing style and environment to make an informed choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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