TTC Iron vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The TTC Iron and HMX Twilight both belong to the linear switch category, yet they offer distinctive experiences tailored for different types of users. The TTC Iron is celebrated for its remarkably light and smooth travel, coupled with a pronounced clacky sound that can lend a satisfying auditory feedback to typing sessions. This makes it a fantastic option for enthusiasts and daily users alike, particularly those who crave precision and an enjoyable tactile experience with every keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the characteristic clackiness of HMX switches. Its bouncy feel makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a bit more spring in their typing motion without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches have their merits; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Iron Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Iron and HMX Twilight switches feature different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The Iron switch utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a sound that is deeper and more muted, creating a pleasing auditory experience. In contrast, the Twilight employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing components. Nylon is recognized as a classic choice for switch housings, contributing to a fuller sound profile that is also deeper, but with a more rounded quality due to its softer plastic composition. Thus, while both switches aim to provide a deep sound, the TTC Iron's sound is characterized by its unique muted tone, resulting from the inherent qualities of POM.

When examining the bottom housing of each switch, it becomes clear how the material choice further affects the typing experience. The POM bottom housing in the Iron provides a more impactful bottom-out feel and sound. This aligns with the overall muted sound profile, ensuring a more controlled auditory response when the keys are pressed. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing in the Twilight tends to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a softer acoustic experience during bottoming out. However, this reflects the inherent qualities of nylon, which lacks the hard-edge response that POM provides. As such, while both switches exhibit deeper sound characteristics, the sensation and auditory experience of bottoming out are distinct due to the different materials.

Ultimately, despite the differences in the housing materials of the TTC Iron and HMX Twilight, one can achieve similar results in terms of sound profile by understanding how each housing contributes to the overall auditory experience. With both switches leaning towards a deeper sound signature, users can expect a satisfying acoustic performance, though the nuances in their profiles will vary. The Iron’s more muted output contrasts with the Twilight’s softer, rounder sound, suggesting that even though they utilize different materials, careful consideration of these characteristics allows for a comparable, though distinct, typing experience.

Weight

The TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both exhibit relatively light overall specifications, making them suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. The Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Similarly, the Twilight switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams as the Iron. This means that while the Iron is marginally lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches ultimately bottom out at the same weight, providing a consistent typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Iron for its slightly lower actuation force, while users looking for a heavier push might find both switches adequate, as they are on the lighter side overall.

Travel distance

The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the TTC Iron the shorter option, providing a marginally quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, with its 3.85 mm travel distance, offers a touch more depth, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it may influence the overall feel of the switches, making it important for users to consider their personal preferences in terms of responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Iron linear switch is celebrated for its pronounced clacky sound signature, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality that resonates with each keystroke. This clack adds an engaging and satisfying auditory element to typing, making each press feel notable. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch maintains a similar clacky characteristic but adds a slightly quieter profile due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. Although both switches aim for that enticing sound experience, the Iron stands out with a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Twilight offers a more subdued sound without sacrificing the essential clacky essence.

In terms of feel, the TTC Iron is designed for effortless typing; the easy-to-press attribute ensures a gentle resistance, making it ideal for prolonged usage without causing finger fatigue. Its buttery smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, providing a comfortable and responsive interaction with each key press. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch is noted for its bouncy feel, offering an elastic feedback sensation with a lively rebound upon actuation. While both switches provide a pleasurable typing experience, the Iron emphasizes lightness and smoothness, whereas the Twilight focuses on a more dynamic and responsive feedback.

Overall, both the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch cater to unique preferences in sound and feel. Those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience alongside a smooth and light feel will gravitate towards the Iron, while users who enjoy a slightly quieter switch with a bouncier tactile sensation will likely prefer the Twilight. Depending on your priorities, you will find great satisfaction in either option, as both provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different tastes.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you lean toward a pronounced auditory response alongside a smooth typing feel, the TTC Iron is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation and distinct clacky sound enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke, making it perfect for both enthusiasts enjoying leisurely typing sessions and daily users seeking efficiency without sacrificing pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly quieter switch with an extended travel distance and a more bouncy feedback, the HMX Twilight might be more suitable for you. Its lively feel can add a dynamic element to your typing, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate springy responsiveness. Both switches offer a bottom out force of 50 grams, so it really comes down to whether you want a more pronounced sound and smoothness with the Iron or a bouncier and quieter experience with the Twilight. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience—whether that's sound, travel distance, or the overall feedback from each key press—and let that guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Iron Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more