HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX EMO both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz, a linear switch, is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with every keystroke. Its visually appealing housing, adorned with glitter, adds a touch of elegance to any setup while also producing a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the EMO linear switch boasts a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and effortless typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the EMO switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX EMO both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetic-wise, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Blue Topaz and EMO differ in their bottom housings, with the Blue Topaz using nylon and the EMO also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of materials, both the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX EMO share the polycarbonate top housing, which provides similar sound characteristics with a sharper, higher-pitched tone. The use of polycarbonate in top housings results in a clear and resonant sound, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, where both switches feature nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings offers a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
While the top housings of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX EMO are identical in their use of polycarbonate, their bottom housings vary with both using nylon. The split in housing materials means that the qualities each material brings to the switch are divided between the bottom and top parts. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch are quite similar, with the Blue Topaz having a bottom out force of 48 grams and the EMO having a bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches have an actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. This light actuation force is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. While some may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both of these switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each individual is looking to achieve.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Blue Topaz due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the EMO. Overall, the decision between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for 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 HMX EMO comes in at $3.49 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky and crisp sound that resonates with each keystroke, providing users with an auditory satisfaction that complements the visual appeal of its glittering housing. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but based on its lively and clacky feel, it may also produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth actuation and lightweight feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The HMX EMO linear switch, with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force and bouncy typing experience, provides users with an effortless and satisfying typing feel. While the specific feel of the EMO switch is not described, it likely offers a similar easy-to-press experience that enhances the overall typing comfort.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX EMO linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a visually and audibly pleasing clacky sound, while the EMO switch delivers a lively and bouncy feel with a feather-light actuation force. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. With both switches offering similar characteristics such as ease of typing and smooth actuation, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing comfort and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, your choice will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 48 grams, a smoother actuation, and a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom-out force of 46 grams, a lively and bouncy typing experience, and factory-lubed switches for added smoothness, then the EMO switch could be more to your liking. Consider how you prefer your keyboard switches to feel and sound, and choose accordingly for a typing experience tailored to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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