HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders in the linear category are the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze while its eye-catching glitter housing and clacky sound signature deliver an engaging sensory experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has been engineered specifically for gamers, with an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs, alongside its own bright, clacky sound profile and silky smooth push. While the Blue Topaz may appeal more to those who prioritize a visually striking design and smooth typing experience, the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers seeking responsiveness and speed. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Vintage Citrus switches present a distinct contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This clarity and resonance are amplified by the material's translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is equipped with a nylon top housing, which traditionally provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon helps absorb sound waves, producing a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Consequently, when typing on the Blue Topaz, users can expect a crisper sound when key presses are released, while the Vintage Citrus will yield a softer release sound due to its more absorbing top housing.
Interestingly, both switches share a common material in their bottom housings: nylon. This uniformity in material results in a consistent sonic characteristic between the two models when keys are fully depressed. While the Blue Topaz's bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, the characteristics of the nylon allow both switches to produce a fullness that might be perceived similarly in terms of bottoming out. However, the varying top housings ensure users will experience different sound profiles during release. Thus, while the sound generated on the way down is grounded in similar properties thanks to the nylon, the user experience diverges significantly once the keys are released, thanks to the interaction of the different top housing materials.
In summary, the HMX Blue Topaz and Vintage Citrus switches both capitalize on nylon for their bottom housings, providing a consistent foundation for sound when bottoming out. However, their differing top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Blue Topaz and nylon for the Vintage Citrus—create distinct sound profiles upon key release. Users may find that the Blue Topaz offers a more vibrant auditory experience overall, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those seeking a more muted, full-bodied sound. By understanding the unique contributions of each material, one can appreciate how these selections impact the overall typing experience through both sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel and feedback from their keyboard. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Blue Topaz is the better option, while the Vintage Citrus provides a firmer response. Overall, the differences in force metrics highlight how each switch suits varied typing styles and user preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences that may influence user preference. The Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Blue Topaz offers a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying and enjoyable. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower travel, aligns with the growing trend favoring faster response times, particularly among gamers seeking quicker actuation. Ultimately, those who appreciate a more substantial feedback and depth should opt for the Blue Topaz, while those who prioritize rapid keypresses might prefer the Vintage Citrus.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches feature a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience. The Blue Topaz is characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory feedback, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This clacky sound can contribute positively to both typing and gaming scenarios, providing satisfying auditory confirmation of each keypress. While the Vintage Citrus is also noted for having a bright and clacky sound, the specific acoustic qualities associated with it remain unspecified. Overall, users can expect a lively auditory experience from both switches, though specific nuances may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz excels with its super smooth actuation and lightweight response, making every keystroke almost effortless. It’s designed to provide minimal resistance, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during long sessions. Similarly, the Vintage Citrus boasts an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it an ideal choice for rapid-fire inputs, particularly in gaming. While the exact tactile feedback of the Vintage Citrus is not elaborated upon, its intention as a speed switch suggests a design that prioritizes an easy push feel, potentially aligning with the smoothness offered by the Blue Topaz. Both switches are geared towards delivering a responsive typing experience, though the Blue Topaz may offer a more generalized smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches deliver a delightful auditory and tactile experience, emphasizing smooth keystrokes and a lively clacky sound. The Blue Topaz is particularly noted for its effortless typing feel and crisp auditory feedback, while the Vintage Citrus is designed for rapid keypresses with a low actuation force. Though each switch has its unique strengths, users can anticipate enjoyable performance from either option, especially in the context of gaming and fast-paced typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a visually appealing design combined with a delightful clacky sound, the Blue Topaz would be your go-to option. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy extended typing sessions thanks to its easy-to-press mechanism, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for speed and rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus is the way to go. Its low actuation point and medium-light force make it perfect for quick actions without sacrificing control, while still offering a satisfying clacky sound. By understanding these distinctions, you can select the switch that will enhance your overall typing or gaming experience, ensuring maximum enjoyment and efficiency.
Mentioned in this article
