HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Ink Yellow both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz linear switch is revered for its incredibly smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a seamless and enjoyable experience. Paired with a visually stunning glitter housing and a clacky sound signature, this switch is perfect for those who appreciate both aesthetics and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch boasts a shorter travel distance and a pleasant smoothness that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a clacky sound profile and a polished feel, this switch offers a neutral typing experience that is both satisfying and comfortable. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Blue Topaz's housing materials offer a unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. This blend delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, offering a consistent sound experience across the entire switch.
While the Blue Topaz and Gateron Ink Yellow both feature a high-pitched sound profile, they achieve this through different housing materials. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound, while the Gateron Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin sound that is not overly sharp. In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Topaz's nylon material creates a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound, while the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary blend maintains the high-pitched and clacky sound profile throughout the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Blue Topaz and Gateron Ink Yellow housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Blue Topaz provides a unique combination of stiffer polycarbonate for the top housing and softer nylon for the bottom housing, creating a balance of crispness and fullness in sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound profile with its proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a more consistent high-pitched sound, both switches offer distinct housing materials to suit different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is lighter in terms of both forces. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Topaz make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Gateron Ink Yellow provide a more substantial typing experience, favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing compared to the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired level of key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
The Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound signature, providing users with a sharp and snappy auditory experience that enhances typing feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile overall, making it suitable for a wider range of users and environments. While the Blue Topaz produces a more pronounced and vibrant sound, the Ink Yellow delivers a more moderate and versatile sound experience. It is important to note that individual preferences for sound may vary based on factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a lightweight and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished feel, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. With smooth key travel and refined finishes, the Ink Yellow switch offers a pleasant typing experience that caters to a broad range of users. Both switches prioritize user comfort, with the Blue Topaz emphasizing easy actuation and the Ink Yellow focusing on a smooth and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and easy actuation, providing a visually and audibly engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel that appeals to a wider audience. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing sharp and vibrant feedback, the Ink Yellow delivers a versatile and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer top-notch quality in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a smooth actuation and light keystrokes, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its distinctive glitter housing, clacky sound signature, and easy-to-press feel make typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch with its shorter travel, pleasant smoothness, and clackiness might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your choice.
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