Jerrzi Orange vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Twilight provide two distinct yet compelling options, both falling under the category of linear switches. The Jerrzi Orange switches are celebrated for their feathery feel and pronounced clack, delivering a crisp and lively typing experience that appeals to those who thrive on responsive feedback with each keystroke. Their lightweight design makes them easy to press and perfect for enthusiasts looking for an engaging and vibrant use. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switches offer a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter typing experience while still preserving the signature clacky nature characteristic of HMX switches. This blend of performance and subtle sound can be ideal for users who prefer a bit more depth in their typing without overwhelming noise. Both switches cater to unique preferences, with the Jerrzi Orange favoring an energetic feel, while the HMX Twilight leans towards a more tranquil yet responsive 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Orange and HMX Twilight exhibit substantial differences in their top housing materials, which play a significant role in their sound profiles. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency, producing a sharper and crisper sound. This characteristic is especially beneficial for users who favor RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. In contrast, the Twilight employs a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that creates a deeper and rounder sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a more muted auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a warmer, fuller keypress sound. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver unique auditory feedback, they cater to different sound aesthetics largely due to their top housing materials.
Both the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a consistency in how the two switches feel and sound when pressed. This material choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switches, as nylon’s softer nature effectively absorbs sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound is similarly rounded for both models, providing a familiar tactile experience. However, the impact of the bottom housing becomes more pronounced in the overall typing experience when compared to the top housing; thus, while the sound profiles differ when keys are released, the deeper sound characteristic common to both models emerges as a shared trait during actuation.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with a common bottom housing creates a distinct layering of sound profiles in both the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Twilight. The Orange’s polycarbonate top housing lends itself to sharper sound accents upon releasing a key, while the Twilight, with its nylon top, promotes a smoother, rounded experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the core tactile feedback remains consistent across both choices, emphasizing a solid and enjoyable typing experience. Users seeking a key switch that delivers a bright and crisp sound will prefer the Orange, whereas those who favor a fuller and more muted response may lean towards the Twilight, showcasing the nuanced distinctions between these two models while still benefiting from their common material features.
Weight
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, with the Orange requiring a lighter 37 grams to actuate compared to the Twilight's 42 grams. This difference suggests that the Orange switch may be more suited for extended typing sessions, as its lighter actuation can reduce finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort during prolonged use. However, the bottom out force for the Orange is unavailable, while the Twilight has a bottom out force measured at 50 grams, indicating that it engages for a more substantial tactile response upon full depression. This heavier bottom out can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback. Overall, while the Orange offers a lighter touch for better endurance, the Twilight provides a firmer push that might be preferred by typists seeking a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that their specifications differ. The Jerrzi Orange features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Twilight boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. As a result, the Orange switch is the shorter option, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel, making it preferable for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the Twilight's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial typing experience, suited for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 profile of the Jerrzi Orange linear switches is characterized by a lively and clacky auditory experience, often described as sharp and percussive. This crisp feedback provides a stimulating atmosphere for typists who enjoy an audible response with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switches, while still clacky, have a more subdued sound due to their extended 3.85mm travel distance, yielding a slightly quieter operation. This means that while the Orange delivers a more pronounced sound with each tap, the Twilight offers a more muted version of that clacky essence, making both switches suitable for different sound preferences depending on the environment and personal taste.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches deliver a feathery and incredibly easy-to-press experience. The lightweight nature of these switches significantly minimizes finger fatigue, allowing for long typing sessions without strain. They require little exertion from the user, making them ideal for both gaming and prolonged work tasks. As for the HMX Twilight switches, specific details regarding their feel remain unknown; however, if they also uphold the clacky linear switch standards, it can be anticipated that they provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, albeit potentially with subtle differences based on their distinct travel distance.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Orange excels in delivering a vibrant, audibly crisp experience with its clackiness, while the Twilight offers a quieter alternative that still retains similar clacky characteristics. Both switches provide a light typing experience that reduces finger strain, although the Orange's feathery feel is particularly noteworthy. Choosing between these options will ultimately depend on your sound preferences and whether you prioritize a lively auditory feedback or a more subdued approach in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Twilight linear switches largely depends on your preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a lively, responsive feel and enjoy a clacky sound, the Jerrzi Orange may be the ideal choice for you. Its lightweight actuation helps alleviate finger fatigue, making it perfect for long hours of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter environment yet still appreciate an engaging typing experience, you might lean towards the HMX Twilight. With its slightly heavier actuation force and extended travel distance, this switch offers a balance of responsiveness and a more subdued sound, catering to those who enjoy a subtle clack without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the ambience of your workspace; choose the Jerrzi Orange for a vibrant experience and the HMX Twilight for a harmonious balance of feel and sound.
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