Keygeek Keylin vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various offerings, with the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Twilight being two standout linear options. The Keylin, known for its innovative molds, excels in delivering a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. Its design prioritizes tactile fluidity, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a seamless typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Twilight offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which not only contributes to a quieter sound profile but also retains the beloved clacky characteristics synonymous with HMX switches. This gives it an edge for users who appreciate a softer sound without sacrificing performance. While both switches cater to distinct preferences in the realm of linear typing experiences, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine which switch aligns best with your individual needs and style.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Twilight both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, which allows them to deliver a comparable typing experience. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This key similarity means that both switches effectively dampen sound, as the properties of nylon absorb noise more efficiently than harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience with both the Keylin and the Twilight, characterized by a rounder and softer sound when keys are pressed and released.

Despite this similarity in housing materials, there can be variations in switch design or other features that may influence the overall feel and sound profile. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the characteristics that each housing contributes can lead to distinct tactile experiences. The bottom housing usually plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing significantly influences the sound produced upon releasing a key. If the Keylin and Twilight were to differ in any way—be it in their internal mechanisms or actuation points—the result could be a unique typing experience specific to each model while still benefiting from the nylon materials.

Ultimately, while the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Twilight switches share the same nylon construction for both top and bottom housings, ensuring a dampened sound profile, any differences in design or internal structure could still lead to unique experiences for users. However, due to their shared material properties, users can expect the fundamental qualities of a soft, muted auditory response, highlighting how housing materials can influence the perception of a switch while allowing for differentiation in user experience through other design elements.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both fall into the category of relatively light switches, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Twilight has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Keylin is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a concern. In contrast, the Twilight, with its marginally higher forces, provides a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer push. Users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of lightness, but the slight difference in forces offers subtle variations in feedback and comfort based on user preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 3.85 mm travel distance of the Twilight. This distinction means that users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers, might prefer the Keylin for its more responsive and quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Twilight's longer travel distance may appeal to those who favor a more substantial and deeper keystroke, offering a richer tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either swift action or a fuller feel, with the Keylin being the shorter option and the Twilight accommodating those who appreciate a heightened depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its rich acoustics, which contribute to a premium auditory experience during typing. This switch tends to offer a satisfying aural profile that many users find pleasing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, yet it maintains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, which provides a distinctive auditory feedback while remaining subdued compared to more traditional linear options. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard build, materials, and keycap choice, so users may experience variations regardless of switch type.

When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, creating a highly satisfying tactile experience that can enhance typing rhythm and precision. The smooth action is likely to appeal to users who prioritize fluid keystrokes in their typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Twilight also provides a notable feel, leveraging its longer travel distance to create a unique tactile experience that might feel different but still enjoyable for users who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke without a jarring transition. Both switches offer distinct sensations that cater to different preferences, but the Keylin leans toward a smoother action while the Twilight offers a more pronounced travel characteristic.

In summary, both the Keygeek Keylin and HMX Twilight linear switches provide distinctive qualities that cater to various preferences in sound and feel. The Keylin excels with its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, offering a premium typing experience. Meanwhile, the Twilight balances a quieter sound profile with its extended travel and signature clacky characteristics, along with a deliberate tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a smoother experience with rich sound or prefer a more pronounced travel feel with a slightly quieter yet still engaging auditory feedback. Each switch brings unique attributes to the table, allowing users to find what best fits their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a lightweight key feel and appreciate an acoustically rich and exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Keylin switches would likely be a perfect fit for you. Their lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams offers an easy press that is ideal for extended typing sessions, making them favorable for those who prioritize comfort in their keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly more substantial feel, the HMX Twilight might be the better option. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams and a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, it provides a unique tactile feedback while maintaining a quieter typing experience, perfect for environments where sound levels matter. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing needs, so consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or the overall typing experience—are most important to you for a satisfying mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more