HMX Blue Topaz vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision can be quite overwhelming, especially with options like the HMX Blue Topaz and Everglide Sunset Yellow available. The Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a rich, bassy sound profile that adds an indulgent touch to typing. While the Blue Topaz is loved for its easy-to-press nature and clacky sound, the Sunset Yellow impresses with its bassy, creamy, and frictionless feel. 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

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, it is clear that there are distinct differences in sound profiles. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound quality can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts, and POM delivering a unique and pleasing sound profile for those looking for a deeper tone.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches offer this similar qualitative feature in their bottom housing materials, the specific nuances of the sound produced may vary due to the properties of nylon and POM. Overall, users can expect a more rounded and dull sound from both switches, with the bottom housings playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.

When considering the impact of having different top and bottom housings on a switch, it becomes evident that each housing material brings its unique qualities to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released. As such, users of both the Blue Topaz and the Sunset Yellow can expect a nuanced typing experience that incorporates the distinct qualities of the top and bottom housing materials. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a clear and resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Sunset Yellow delivers a deeper and more muted sound profile through its POM top and bottom housings.

Weight

Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches have relatively low actuation forces, with the Blue Topaz being even lighter at 40 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Topaz also requires less pressure at 48 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This means that the Blue Topaz switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for office work or gaming sessions. However, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is shorter than the HMX Blue Topaz switch. The HMX Blue Topaz switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more robust and tactile typing experience compared to the shorter travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed due to their varying travel distances, so selecting the one that aligns with your preferences for travel distance is key. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing users with a sharp, snappy, and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch boasts a bassy sound profile with elements of thocky, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Blue Topaz delivering a crisp and bright sound, while the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper and richer tone that resembles mahjong tiles colliding. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharpness of the Blue Topaz or the indulgent bassiness of the Sunset Yellow to enhance their typing sessions.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press actuation, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. The proprietary factory lube method and unique Ly stem contribute to a distinct gliding feel, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether users prefer the effortless ease of typing on the Blue Topaz or the smooth, polished sensation of the Sunset Yellow, both switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel to enhance the overall typing experience.

Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Depending on whether users prefer a clacky, lightweight feel with a sharp sound or a bassy, indulgent feel with a rich sound profile, they can choose between the Blue Topaz and Sunset Yellow switches to achieve their desired typing experience. While each switch offers distinct qualities, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience with either option, ensuring that they can enjoy typing sessions with comfort and ease.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a super smooth, clacky sound with a lightweight feel, the Blue Topaz may be the preferred choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force, a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, and a smooth, creamy gliding feel with reduced friction, the Sunset Yellow switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter actuation force and clacky sound (Blue Topaz) or a medium-light actuation force and rich, bassy sound with a creamy, frictionless feel (Sunset Yellow). Consider these factors to determine which switch best aligns with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more