HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Type A both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out with its smooth actuation and light touch, providing a breezy typing experience with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a medium-weight option with a deeper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is easy to press and clacky, the Type A is characterized as neutral and subdued. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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 housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Type A switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Gateron Type A's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz focuses on clarity and resonance, while the nylon top housing of the Type A emphasizes depth and roundness.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Blue Topaz and the Type A utilize nylon, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, contributing to a more muted and rounded typing experience. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both switches prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Blue Topaz and the Type A switches highlights the importance of housing materials in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Type A's nylon top housing focuses on depth and fullness. In contrast, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a quieter and more muted bottom-out sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences based on the housing materials utilized.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it's clear that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option. The Blue Topaz requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Blue Topaz is better suited for users looking for a lighter typing experience, while the Type A switch is a better option for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular among users seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gateron Type A may provide a more satisfying feel. However, for those who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the HMX Blue Topaz's slightly shorter travel distance could be the preferred option. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar tactile experience with only a slight variation in travel distance.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 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 Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound, providing users with a sharp and percussive auditory experience that complements its smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Blue Topaz offering a more vibrant and lively sound compared to the Type A's more subtle and mellow tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Gateron Type A switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, based on the description of the Type A as a medium-weight switch, it is likely to offer a more tactile typing experience compared to the lightweight and smooth feel of the Blue Topaz.
In conclusion, while the Blue Topaz and Gateron Type A linear switches offer distinct differences in sound and potentially in feel, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a more vibrant and clacky sound with a lightweight feel, the Blue Topaz may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and subdued sound with a potentially more tactile feel, the Gateron Type A could be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a distinctive clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum, then the Gateron Type A would suit your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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