HMX Blue Topaz vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among users. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breezy typing experience. Its distinctive glittery housing not only catches the eye, but also produces a clacky sound signature, adding both visual and auditory delight to users. On the other hand, the Yoel, also a linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, delivers a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Yoel is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different typing preferences. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of sound, both switches will offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings, providing users with a distinct typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Blue Topaz uses nylon while the Yoel uses POM. Nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to their softer and sound-absorbent nature. On the other hand, POM bottom housings create a unique and pleasantly muted sound, leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in bottom housing material will affect the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, although both the Blue Topaz and the PH Studio Yoel share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The Blue Topaz offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Yoel provides a unique and muted sound with its POM bottom housing. Depending on personal preferences for typing sound and feel, users can choose between these switches for a tailored typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. If weight is a crucial factor, the Blue Topaz would be a better choice for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Yoel would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite their differences in force, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that aligns with their respective force preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Blue Topaz has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Yoel has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Blue Topaz offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, providing a more traditional feel, while the Yoel offers a quicker response time due to its shallower travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Yoel, while those who enjoy a more traditional feel may lean towards the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the HMX Blue Topaz and PH Studio Yoel linear switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. However, the Yoel switch also has additional descriptors such as high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, while the Blue Topaz is only characterized as clacky. This means that the Yoel switch may provide a more varied and complex sound experience compared to the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is noted for providing a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, which suggests a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction. While the Blue Topaz emphasizes ease of typing with minimal force required, the Yoel switch focuses on delivering a buttery and smooth sensation to enhance typing comfort and precision.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth actuation and lightweight feel paired with a clacky sound signature, while the Yoel switch delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the super smooth and easy actuation of the Blue Topaz or the creamy and polished typing sensation of the Yoel switch. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find a switch that suits their unique needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the weight of your keystrokes. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth actuation, the Blue Topaz with its 48-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel and a chewy typing experience, the Yoel with its 60-gram bottom out force might be more suitable. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky sound profile, both switches offer this characteristic; however, the Yoel provides additional options such as a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound. If you prioritize a typing feel that is easy-to-press, the Blue Topaz would be a great fit, while the Yoel offers a creamy, polished, and silky sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel, sound signature, and overall typing experience.
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