HMX Blue Topaz vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience. Two popular linear switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Yunhai, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making every keystroke feel effortless. Additionally, its eye-catching glittery housing combined with a clacky sound signature adds a delightful auditory and visual element to any setup. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with a deep, rounded sound profile that pairs with an incredibly light actuation force, ideal for typists seeking a gentle and effortless typing experience. While the Blue Topaz appeals to those who enjoy a more lively and expressive sound, the Yunhai is tailored for users who prioritize a smooth and quiet keystroke. 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

TTC Yunhai Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the TTC Yunhai, significant differences emerge, particularly in their respective top housings. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the rigidity of polycarbonate, allowing for clearer resonance and sound transmission. Its translucency also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer, sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, the auditory experience differs significantly, with the Blue Topaz exuding a more vibrant sound while the Yunhai provides a more muted and rounded auditory footprint.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, meaning they share similar characteristics in that regard. The nylon construction contributes to a more subdued typing feel, regardless of the switch type, by absorbing vibrations and creating a plush, damped sound. This shared bottom housing material allows both switches to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile when bottoming out. However, the impact of the bottom housing qualities is primarily felt during key presses, contributing to how each switch feels and sounds mechanically upon actuation.

Ultimately, the difference in top housing materials leads to distinctive auditory experiences while typing on each switch. The Blue Topaz’s polycarbonate top makes it more suitable for users seeking brilliant, resonant feedback, particularly if RGB lighting is a consideration. On the other hand, the Yunhai with its nylon top would appeal to those who prefer a rich, muted sound profile. While their bottom housings are the same, and thus provide a consistent foundational auditory experience, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom versus a fully nylon housing creates a diverse sound and feel profile suitable for different user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both switches demonstrate a light overall feel, but their actuation and bottom out forces present some differences. The Blue Topaz features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Yunhai's actuation force is slightly higher at 42 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz requires less force to register a keystroke, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming. In terms of bottom out forces, the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the Yunhai's 50 grams. This difference again highlights the Blue Topaz as the lighter option, providing a slightly less taxing experience when pressing the key all the way down. Therefore, while both switches maintain a light overall profile, the HMX Blue Topaz is the lighter of the two, making it a better option for users seeking less resistance during long periods of use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it’s clear that they differ in this regard. The Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance, which can offer gamers and others who prioritize rapid response times a slight edge in speed. However, for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience when pressing keys, the Blue Topaz may be the preferable option with its longer travel distance. While both switches fall within the realm of modern switches, they cater to different preferences in terms of key feel and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound produced by the Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that many typists find pleasurable. The crisp, bright, and percussive tones of the Blue Topaz make each keystroke feel alive, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the typing experience. In contrast, the specific sound profile of the TTC Yunhai linear switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, if the Yunhai also possesses an engaging sound signature, users can look forward to an auditory experience that matches their typing rhythm.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz offers an incredibly light actuation force, which makes keystrokes feel effortless and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This gentle resistance enhances comfort, allowing for a smooth and responsive typing experience. The specific tactile feedback of the TTC Yunhai switch has not been provided, but given its reputation for light actuation, it is likely that it also promotes a similarly comfortable and enjoyable feel during use. Users of both switches can expect a typing experience that minimizes strain and maximizes fluidity.

In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to typists who appreciate a lightweight feel and an engaging auditory experience. While the Blue Topaz boasts a distinctive clacky sound profile and explicitly emphasizes easy-to-press characteristics, the Yunhai's sound profile remains unknown but is anticipated to offer a light feel as well. Ultimately, users of either switch can look forward to a satisfying typing experience, with the Blue Topaz providing a clearer aural palette and the Yunhai promising its unique characteristics yet to be fully defined.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you favor a lightweight switch that not only feels easy on your fingers but also provides a delightful auditory experience, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its super smooth actuation paired with a clacky sound will enhance your typing experience, making it enjoyable for both casual use and intensive typing sessions. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch that delivers a gentle, rounded sound with a slightly firmer actuation force, the Yunhai would be a great fit. This switch caters to those who appreciate a softer keystroke without sacrificing the tactile feedback, ensuring comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, consider what aspects—such as sound signature, tactile feel, or visual appeal—are most important to you, and let those preferences guide your decision when selecting between these two captivating switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more