HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Blue Topaz stands out with its super smooth, easy-to-press actuation, creating a lightweight feeling that makes every keystroke an effortless experience. Coupled with its distinctive glittery housing and clacky sound signature, this linear switch appeals to users who enjoy a visually and audibly engaging typing environment. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch provides a luxurious typing experience characterized by a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, along with a pronounced tactile bump that many typists find satisfying. This tactile switch is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback mechanism with quieter characteristics, making it perfect for both typing and gaming without disturbing others. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Blue Topaz and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches each utilize distinct materials for their top housings, resulting in varied acoustic characteristics. The Blue Topaz employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when compared to softer plastics. This quality makes the polycarbonate ideal for RGB lighting setups, as the clear material allows light to shine through effectively. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic," which is softer than polycarbonate and delivers a richer, deeper sound profile. This difference in material composition plays a crucial role in shaping the auditory experience, leading to differing preferences depending on whether a user prioritizes crispness or warmth in sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilize soft materials, specifically nylon and the proprietary Gazzew blend respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities, which contrast sharply with the hardness of a material like polycarbonate. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing, made from the same soft "boba plastic," similarly enhances the overall depth of sound, further aligning with the richer auditory signature of the switch. Despite the materials employed in the top housings differing widely, both switches utilize soft materials for their bottoms, ensuring that users can expect an overall rounded sound profile, which favors a softer auditory experience.

Finally, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch creates a unique tactile and auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz sharpens the sound upon release, emphasizing the higher frequencies, while the nylon bottom provides depth to the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's soft top and bottom housings together cultivate a consistently warm and rich sound environment. While the acoustic outputs of each switch differ significantly due to their top housing materials, the combination of soft bottom housings in both switches facilitates a sort of tonal cohesion, allowing users to enjoy a deep and rich sound overall. Consequently, users seeking a switch experience with similar core sound qualities might find satisfactory results in both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, albeit realized through different material compositions.

Weight

The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suited for varying typing preferences. The Blue Topaz has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel, although its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests a greater force is needed to fully engage the keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Blue Topaz is the lighter option, whereas the U4Tx RGB is heavier, appealing to those who might favor the added resistance for a firmer feel while typing. This differentiation emphasizes the importance of selecting a switch that aligns with one’s typing style and comfort preferences.

Travel distance

The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm reflects a distinction in feel and responsiveness; the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx RGB may appeal to gamers seeking quicker keypress responses, while the Blue Topaz’s longer distance could provide a more substantial and satisfying feedback for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive experience, the U4Tx RGB would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, for those who enjoy the sensation of a more pronounced keypress, the Blue Topaz would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its distinctively clacky sound signature. This switch produces a sharp, snappy noise during key presses that is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it an enjoyable auditory experience for users who appreciate an engaging typing environment. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a refined sound profile characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, combining this with a quieter topping out noise. This creates a more subdued acoustical characteristic that is pleasant yet less pronounced than the clack of the Blue Topaz. However, sound perception can greatly depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so personal experiences may vary.

In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force to actuate. This lightweight actuation makes typing effortless and contributes to reduced finger fatigue during long sessions, allowing for a comfortable and responsive interaction. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a sharp tactile bump, providing a more luxurious and defined typing experience. While both switches aim for user comfort and engagement, the Blue Topaz's linear action promotes a smooth, uninterrupted flow, whereas the U4Tx's tactile feedback engages users differently, making for a more pronounced interaction with each keystroke.

In summary, both the Blue Topaz and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue Topaz is advantageous for those who enjoy a clacky sound and a lightweight typing experience, promoting effortless keypresses. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB appeals to users looking for a deep thock sound and tactile feedback for a more luxurious feel. Together, they represent diverse options in the mechanical keyboard landscape, allowing newcomers to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch should be informed by your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lightweight switch that provides a super smooth actuation and a lively, clacky sound profile, the Blue Topaz is an excellent option. Its gentle resistance makes it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are a priority. It's particularly well-suited for tasks that benefit from rapid keystrokes, such as gaming or casual typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feel combined with a refined auditory experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the way to go. With a heavier actuation force and a satisfying thock sound, it caters well to users who enjoy feeling a pronounced bump during their keystrokes, making it a great choice for typing-intensive work or for those who love the tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards. Thus, consider what typing experience you value more—effortless and speedy with the Blue Topaz or substantial and tactile with the U4Tx RGB—and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more