Huano Elf vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and HMX Twilight both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Huano Elf is particularly noted for its POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also provides a deep sound signature combined with a medium-light actuation force, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without feeling fatigued during prolonged use. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an impressive 3.85mm travel distance, offering a slightly quieter operation while still maintaining the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced sound profile. While both switches cater to linear switch aficionados, their distinct attributes may appeal to different preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Twilight, notable distinctions arise due to their choice of materials used for the top housing. The Elf utilizes POK, or polyketone, which offers a unique combination of low friction, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, it provides a smooth and responsive feel, which is beneficial for fast typing or gaming. Additionally, POK's exceptional durability—boasting wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM—ensures that the switches not only perform well but also maintain their functionality over longer periods. This blend of smoothness and durability in POK enhances the tactile experience when typing, contributing to the overall clacky sound profile that is desirable in modern mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the top housing of the HMX Twilight features nylon, a material known for its softer texture and superior sound absorption capabilities. This characteristic allows nylon to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued typing experience compared to the Elf's POK top housing. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb impact and dampens the noise generated during keystrokes, resulting in a rounder sound that appeals to users looking for a quieter typing environment. While nylon may not offer the same level of wear resistance as POK, it compensates with its auditory qualities, thus catering to users who prioritize sound characteristics over tactile responsiveness.
Interestingly, both the Elf and the Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a significant commonality in their overall sound profile. This shared material creates a consistent depth and fullness in the sound while typing, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Thus, when a user presses down on either switch, they will experience the audible and tactile qualities crafted by the nylon bottom housing. However, while the Elf's unique POK top housing emphasizes a smoother tactile experience, the Twilight's nylon top offers a softer sound, illustrating how the interplay of housing materials shapes the overall performance and feel of each switch. Ultimately, despite their differences, the combination of these materials in various configurations can yield similar results in terms of sound absorption and typing experience, catering to different user preferences without sacrificing quality.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch with the HMX Twilight linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, which means that the initial effort required to register a keystroke is identical for both switches. This ensures that typists and gamers will experience a similar level of tactile responsiveness when pressing the keys. However, the HMX Twilight switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates that it requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key down compared to the Elf, whose bottom out force is unknown. Consequently, the Huano Elf can be considered the lighter option, catering to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over prolonged usage. In contrast, if you desire a more substantial feel when bottoming out, the heavier bottom out force of the HMX Twilight could be appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Huano Elf measures at 3.6 mm, while the HMX Twilight features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Elf switch has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance between the top and bottom of the switch. In contrast, the Twilight's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel and depth when pressing their keys, as it closely resembles the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Therefore, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. This results in a rich auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a slightly quieter experience due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. While both switches may exhibit distinct auditory qualities, the Twilight maintains the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, providing a unique yet subdued soundscape. It’s worth noting that the overall sound produced by both switches can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch features a medium-light resistance that contributes to a comfortable typing experience, striking a balance that many users appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch, with its extended travel distance, offers a different tactile feedback that could be interpreted as slightly more involved or softer upon bottoming out. This variance in resistance and travel creates different sensations under the fingers, allowing typists to choose a switch that aligns with their preference for engagement and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and HMX Twilight linear switches exhibit their own unique sound and feel characteristics. The Elf provides a deep and resonant acoustic profile with a medium-light tactile feedback, while the Twilight delivers a quieter yet clacky experience aided by its extended travel. Ultimately, personal preference will play a crucial role in determining which switch best suits an individual's typing style, but both options are capable of delivering satisfying results in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying and unique sound signature, the Elf is an excellent choice. Its POK top housing enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound that feels great under your fingers. The Elf's medium-light feel is perfect for those who appreciate a more tactile experience without the resistance, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and a longer travel distance, the HMX Twilight may be more your style. With its 50-gram bottom out force and an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, this switch is designed for ease of use and a quieter experience, while still delivering the characteristic clackiness that HMX switches are known for. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a deeper sound and a lighter touch with the Elf or the more pronounced and slightly heavier feel of the Twilight. Assessing your typing habits and sound preferences can help you make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
