TTC Ice vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its stunning crystal-clear design, providing a smooth and responsive feel coupled with a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming enthusiasts and those who enjoy everyday typing. Its feathery characteristics cater to users who appreciate a lightweight touch, ideal for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight presents a slightly quieter typing experience, featuring an extended 3.85mm travel distance that contributes to its signature bouncy feel. This switch maintains the clacky qualities that HMX switches are known for, appealing to users who desire a balance between sound and tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the HMX Twilight, significant differences are apparent, particularly with regards to the sound profiles they produce. The Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which facilitates a clear and resonant tone. In contrast, the Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer nature. This softness leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. The different properties of these materials suggest that the Ice is better suited for applications where clarity and brightness are desired, while the Twilight would excel in contexts where warmth and depth are prioritized.
The variations in the bottom housing materials further accentuate the differences between the TTC Ice and the HMX Twilight. Similar to the top housing, the Ice again uses polycarbonate, amplifying the sharpness and crispness in the overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Twilight employs nylon in its bottom housing as well, reinforcing the softer sound characteristics seen in the top section. As the bottom housing greatly influences the sound produced when bottoming out a key, the nylon bottom housing of the Twilight provides a more muted auditory feedback, while the Ice retains its sharper traits. This duality in material properties ensures that each switch offers unique tactile and auditory feedback.
Despite the contrasting materials, it's essential to recognize how these differences can influence overall user experience. When a switch features diverse materials in the top and bottom housings, the resulting sound is a blend of the two. For instance, the TTC Ice will produce a sound that is crisp and resonant during the release owing to the polycarbonate atop, while the bottom-out sound will retain a similar clarity due to the same material being used below. In contrast, the HMX Twilight will deliver a cohesive experience of fuller, deeper sounds both when bottoming out and releasing, thanks to its nylon both above and below. Ultimately, users seeking distinct auditory profiles should consider their preferences in sound characteristics—whether they lean towards the sharper clarity of polycarbonate or the warmer tones of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Twilight switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. As a result, typists looking for a switch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Twilight due to its lower weights, while users favoring a more substantial feel might prefer the Ice. Overall, the HMX Twilight is the lighter switch, while the TTC Ice is heavier, providing users with distinct tactile experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we see a notable difference that caters to different user preferences. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Ice the shorter option, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances enhance the speed of key presses. In contrast, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance can appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, allowing for a sense of depth and control. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether a user values responsiveness or a more traditional, hearty key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 TTC Ice switch produces a crisp, bright, and percussive clack that enhances the overall typing experience, making it particularly satisfying for both gaming and everyday use. This sharp auditory feedback is characteristic of a clacky switch, allowing users to enjoy an engaging acoustic experience with each keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch is known for its slightly quieter operation due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While it’s not explicitly labeled as clacky, being less resonant than the Ice, it still maintains some of the signature sounds typical of HMX switches. Overall, the Ice may be preferred for users seeking an audible response, while the Twilight caters to those who desire a quieter typing experience.
When considering the feel of each switch, the TTC Ice switch stands out with its feathery touch, requiring minimal force to actuate. This lightness significantly reduces finger fatigue, which is advantageous during lengthy typing sessions for both gaming and work. Users can expect a smooth and responsive experience without the strain often associated with heavier switches. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers a bouncy feel, characterized by a spring-like rebound that adds a lively sensation to each keystroke. This engaging feedback could provide a more energetic typing experience for users, making it ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable response with their actions.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice excels in delivering a pronounced auditory feedback combined with a lightweight actuation that is great for extended use, while the Twilight offers a quieter typing experience paired with a bouncier feel that may appeal to users seeking a sense of liveliness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes sound, with the Ice's crisp auditory feedback, or a more subdued sound profile with the Twilight's extended travel and bouncy feel.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams with a clacky sound profile and a crystal-clear design, the TTC Ice switch might be your best bet. It excels in providing a premium typing experience that is well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks, particularly if you enjoy a responsive feel and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram actuation force, the HMX Twilight could be the switch for you. Its extended travel distance of 3.85mm offers a unique bouncy feel that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences, while its quieter sound might be more appealing in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you prioritize the richer sound and visual aesthetics of the Ice or the springy, less demanding nature of the Twilight, so consider what aspects matter most for your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
