HMX Blue Topaz vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Wine Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing an easy typing experience with a distinctive glitter housing that adds a visual and auditory aesthetic. On the other hand, the Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile that can enhance the typing experience. While the Blue Topaz is ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press and clacky switches, the Wine Red caters to users who enjoy bassy and low-pitched switches. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Wine Red, the key difference lies in their bottom housing. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic material. This results in a noticeable distinction in the typing experience between the two switches, with the Blue Topaz providing a more muted and rounded sound compared to the Wine Red's clear and resonant sound.
However, both the Blue Topaz and the Wine Red share a commonality in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. This material choice enhances the sound profile of both switches by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing, resulting in a visually appealing effect. Although the bottom housings of these switches differ in material, their use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a similar sound quality and aesthetic appeal in both the Blue Topaz and the Wine Red.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the KTT Wine Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Blue Topaz provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Wine Red offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. However, the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing ensure a consistent sound quality and aesthetic appeal in both switches. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted typing experience or a clear and resonant sound, both the Blue Topaz and the Wine Red offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz switch requires less force to start and complete a keystroke, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the Wine Red switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance during both actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being on the shallower end and the Wine Red being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Wine Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance feels comfortable and responsive.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a more bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving off a deep and rich tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz focusing on a clacky sound while the Wine Red leans towards a bass-heavy profile. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can achieve their desired sound experience with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is renowned for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Wine Red linear switch, although lacking specific descriptors in this context, is known for providing a pillowy light type feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, making them suitable choices for users seeking a smooth and effortless typing feel.
Considering the subjective qualities of the HMX Blue Topaz and KTT Wine Red linear switches, users can expect a unique typing experience with each switch. The Blue Topaz stands out with its smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and clacky sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate a visually and audibly pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, catering to those who prefer a softer typing sensation with bassy tones. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. With both switches providing distinctive qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile that is bassy and low-pitched, then the Wine Red switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be effortless and light with the Blue Topaz or satisfyingly deep and rich with the Wine Red.
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