HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX 1989 and the HMX Twilight often hinges on personal preference and specific typing needs. The HMX 1989, renowned for its thocky feel and deep sound profile, provides a satisfying tactile experience that many gamers and typists find appealing. Its robust design allows for an immersive feedback loop, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which not only contributes to a slightly quieter operation but also supports the signature clacky characteristics HMX switches are known for. This feature is particularly attractive to users who favor a smoother, quieter typing experience without sacrificing the playful auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the 1989 being perfect for those who enjoy a solid thock, while the Twilight suits those who value a balance of sound and travel distance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the HMX Twilight switches present a notable contrast, particularly in the choice of materials for the top housings. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing, creating an articulate auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the effectiveness of RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for users who appreciate illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the HMX Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the HMX 1989’s crisper output.

When considering the bottom housings of both switches, similarities emerge as both the HMX 1989 and the HMX Twilight employ nylon. This shared material brings a consistent quality to the typing experience, as nylon’s inherent characteristics contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in both switches means that, regardless of the differences presented by the top housing materials, users will experience a similar bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. This creates a sense of coherence in overall performance, as the qualities of nylon in the bottom housing will still resonate strongly across both switch types.

Ultimately, the combination of materials employed in the HMX 1989 and the HMX Twilight allows for distinct auditory outcomes influenced by their respective top housings while maintaining cohesion through the shared nylon bottoms. Users can expect to experience the nuanced sound profile differences created by the polycarbonate and nylon interplay in the HMX 1989 and the more absorbed tones from the nylon top in the HMX Twilight. Thus, while the differing materials deliver varying results, the nylon components ensure a consistent foundation for sound and feel throughout both switches, enriching the overall typing experience irrespective of the individual switch design.

Weight

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch offer distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to varying types of users. The 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Conversely, the 1989, with its slightly higher force requirements, might provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer feedback from their keystrokes. Overall, the Twilight is the lighter option, while the 1989 is the heavier choice, allowing users to decide based on their preference for feedback and force.

Travel distance

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the 1989 measuring 4 mm and the Twilight at 3.85 mm. This makes the HMX Twilight the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker key response ideal for gamers or those who prefer a more rapid actuation. In contrast, the HMX 1989, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper, more substantial feel that some users may favor for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference; if you appreciate a shorter actuation for responsiveness, the Twilight would be the better choice, while the 1989 would cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a more robust auditory feedback during typing or gaming. This quality contributes to a satisfying experience, giving each keystroke a pronounced acoustic presence that can resonate positively in a suitable acoustic environment. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which lends itself to a slightly quieter operation while still retaining a distinct clacky characteristic associated with HMX switches. This means that although the Twilight is quieter than the 1989, it still manages to deliver a compelling sound without sacrificing too much in terms of onomatopoeia. Both switches, however, will ultimately produce different sounds based on the type of keyboard and keycaps you choose, making it essential to consider the entire setup.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 is often characterized by its satisfying and pronounced feedback, which can lead to a more immersive typing experience. The depth of the switch can add a layer of comfort to prolonged usage, appealing particularly to gamers and typists who enjoy a heavier keypress. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch, with its extended travel distance, provides a unique sensation that balances softness with a sense of responsiveness. This could enhance typing speed and fluidity, making it suitable for those who prefer a smoother action without the abruptness of tactile bump switches. The tactile sensations can be quite different between the two, ultimately influencing user preference in their typing style.

In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. While the 1989 excels in delivering a deeper, more resonant thock, the Twilight offers a quieter yet still engaging typing experience due to its extended travel distance. Each switch presents a unique sensation under the fingers, with the 1989 providing a heavier, more pronounced feedback, while the Twilight leans towards a smoother, responsive feel. Depending on your specific needs or preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, although they each have their distinct character that may appeal differently to various users.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 53 grams and enjoy a rich, "thocky" sound profile, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its deeper acoustics make it particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who appreciate a more tactile experience and want to hear that satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and appreciate a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the clacky characteristics inherent to HMX switches, the HMX Twilight would be better suited for you. Its extended travel distance of 3.85mm provides a unique feel and can be ideal for those who type for long periods or seek a smoother experience. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by what aspects of typing and gaming you value most—whether it's a satisfying sound and feel or a quieter keypress and lighter action.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more