Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Twilight are two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each offering unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Ink Red is renowned for its low actuation force, making it an excellent choice for typists who favor a lighter touch—a quality that contributes to a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, complemented by a crispy, clacky sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a slightly quieter performance while still preserving the signature clackiness characteristic of HMX switches. Both switches appeal to users desiring a responsive and enjoyable typing experience, yet they differ significantly in sound and typing dynamics. The Ink Red prioritizes ease of use and auditory feedback, while the Twilight offers a unique feel with its longer travel, catering to those who might prefer a more pronounced tactile journey. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Twilight switches, a noticeable divergence emerges in their sound profiles. The Gateron Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is engineered to produce a thin, high-pitched, and clacky sound. This design choice emphasizes clarity and brightness in the auditory feedback when the key is released. Conversely, the HMX Twilight's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the softer nature of nylon, the sound produced tends to be rounder and more muted, creating a stark contrast to the sharper characteristics of the Ink Red.
Diving deeper into the individual components, the differences in sound absorption properties highlight how each switch's material enhances its performance. The Gateron Ink Red’s INK blend housing ensures that the sound generated during both the actuation and bottoming out phases remains consistent with its high-pitched auditory signature. In doing so, it provides a more pronounced feedback experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight's nylon housing excels in sound dampening, allowing the transparency of each keystroke to be felt in a softer manner. This creates an inherent balance between tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. The nylon composition plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall soundscape of the typing experience.
Despite these distinctions, it is important to understand how each switch's housing materials impact the user experience differently but also in harmony. If one were to combine the two switches into a single keystroke experience, one could achieve similar results by carefully managing their typing technique. The results would vary depending on which switch component is engaged during the actuation—the Ink Red providing a more responsive and pointed auditory feedback, while the Twilight’s cushioning sound yield a serene typing encounter. Thus, even though their material compositions are fundamentally different, an adept typist could tailor their approach to maximize the strengths of each housing’s qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions, may find the HMX Twilight more appealing. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers might favor the Gateron Ink Red. Overall, while both switches have their unique strengths, the Gateron Ink Red is the heavier option, while the HMX Twilight is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's clear that the Ink Red offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures at 3.85 mm. The difference of 0.15 mm may seem slight, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. For users who prefer a more traditional and hearty depth during key presses, the Gateron Ink Red is the better choice due to its extended travel, providing a more substantial feel. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, with its shorter 3.85 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate rapid key presses. Ultimately, the preference for one switch over the other will depend on individual typing style and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
The sound characteristics of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch are marked by a distinctive crispy and clacky profile, which provides a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. Its chirpy quality lends a unique character, creating an engaging typing environment. Despite being a linear switch, the Ink Red produces a neutral sound that is versatile enough for different settings, whether it's at home or in a professional workspace. The HMX Twilight, on the other hand, offers a slightly quieter experience due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While it retains some of its clacky qualities typical of HMX switches, it does not possess a defined sound descriptor in the information provided, making it less predictable in acoustics compared to the Ink Red.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Red switch excels with its silky and polished touch, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users will appreciate the minimal resistance during key press and release, enhancing overall comfort. The mild nature of the Ink Red makes it approachable for typists of all levels, striking a balance that doesn't overwhelm the user with overly aggressive feedback. The HMX Twilight's feel characteristics remain unknown, leaving potential users to speculate on its handling without specific descriptors, which is downside for those seeking tactile feedback in deciding their preference.
In summary, both the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red stands out with its engaging acoustic signature and smooth typing experience, making it a suitable choice for users looking for versatility and ease of typing. The Twilight, while quieter and less defined in its sound profile, holds potential for users who may prioritize travel distance and might appreciate an alternative offering. Without clear specifications on the feel of the Twilight, it remains a mystery, making it essential for newcomers to consider personal trial before settling on one switch over the other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you tend to type with a lighter touch and prefer a smoother, quieter experience, the Twilight switch may be more suitable for you, thanks to its lower actuation force and extended travel distance that enhances comfort while typing. Its properties allow for a less fatiguing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions where noise could be a concern. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced feel with a little extra resistance, the Ink Red switch enforces a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying tactile response with its chirpy yet neutral sound profile. This switch is ideal for someone who enjoys a more pronounced sound and feels characteristics while still benefiting from an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, evaluate your priorities in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel as you make your decision, keeping in mind how each switch aligns with your typing habits and environment.
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