Bsun Hutt vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Twilight present two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch, well-known for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, which creates a snappy and invigorating typing experience. This switch's balanced sound profile adds an additional layer of resonance, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is a linear switch that features an extended 3.85mm travel distance. This design results in a slightly quieter operation while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics of HMX switches, appealing to users who prefer a smooth keystroke without the tactile interruption. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference: if you crave the tactile feedback and a rich sound, the Hutt is an excellent choice, whereas the Twilight is perfect for those who seek a fluid and quiet typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and the HMX Twilight exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Bsun Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing for a more resonant sound that enhances the clarity of each keystroke. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to penetrate through the housing, creating visually striking effects. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s sound-absorbing properties lead to a crisper yet rounder auditory experience, thus offering a unique feel when typing compared to the sharper sound of the Hutt.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Twilight employ nylon, resulting in similar sound characteristics that contribute to a robust typing experience. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to dampen sound vibrations, leading to a more muted auditory experience. This similarity in the bottom housing across both switches means that while the top housings contribute differently to the overall sound, the foundation provided by the nylon bottom ensures a consistent low-end resonance. The bottom housing's properties greatly influence the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience during key presses.
Ultimately, the contrasting qualities of the top housing materials—in terms of polycarbonate's brightness versus nylon's warmth—coupled with the shared nylon bottom housing, demonstrate how each switch design delivers a distinct yet complementary typing experience. The Bsun Hutt’s polycarbonate top enhances the crispness when keys are released, while the nylon bottom provides depth during the press. Conversely, the HMX Twilight uses its nylon top to create a softer auditory profile, with the nylon bottom maintaining a similar fullness. This combination showcases how varying top materials can influence the overall character of a switch, while still benefiting from the shared attributes of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in varied yet satisfying outcomes for different user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. The Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Twilight requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight offers a marginally firmer push, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches maintain a similar feel in overall operation, and users may find their typing experience to be comfortable and responsive. Ultimately, those who value a lighter switch may lean towards the Bsun Hutt for its lower forces, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may prefer the HMX Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that the Hutt has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Twilight features a travel distance of 3.85 mm, positioning it as the longer switch. This difference in travel distance may affect user experience, with the shorter Hutt switch providing a more responsive feel, advantageous for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the longer Twilight switch might offer a more substantial depth, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. Therefore, if you prefer quicker response times, the Hutt would be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a deeper travel might lean towards the Twilight.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out with its resonant profile that delivers a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Typing on the Hutt produces a clean and sharp sound, which can enhance the overall satisfaction of your experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While the Twilight maintains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, it may not provide the same auditory excitement as the Hutt, as its design leans more toward a subdued sound profile.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Hutt excels with a variety of descriptors that define its tactile nature. Its snappy response is fostered by a medium-heavy spring, giving users a lively typing sensation. The invigorating feedback, combined with a sharp tactile bump, ensures that every keypress is felt distinctly, creating a fulfilment that's both engaging and responsive. The Hutt’s accentuated tactility strikes a balance that is neither too overwhelming nor subtle, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy pronounced feedback. The HMX Twilight, however, lacks specific descriptors for its feel, making it challenging to draw clear comparisons in this area. Its linear nature typically means a smoother keypress experience, but without the tactile features present in the Hutt.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Hutt and HMX Twilight switches offer unique qualities, they cater to different preferences. The Hutt's resonant sound and invigorating tactile feedback create a dynamic typing experience that is sharp and engaging. On the other hand, the Twilight provides a quieter, smoother action, suited for those who prefer linear switches. Depending on your desired typing experience—whether it's the acoustics or feedback—both switches can deliver satisfying results, but the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more engaging and tactile experience, the Hutt switch's medium-heavy spring and significant tactile bump facilitate a snappy and invigorating feel, making it ideal for typists who thrive on feedback and enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation with each keystroke. Its resonant sound profile adds an auditory pleasure that can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with less tactile feedback, the HMX Twilight's linear design offers an extended travel distance and a quieter operation while still retaining the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This makes it well-suited for gamers or typists who favor swift and uninterrupted key presses without the distraction of tactile bumps. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you seek an invigorating and tactile touch with a noticeable sound, or a fluid and quieter typing experience without pronounced feedback.
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