Outemu Lime (V3) vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Outemu Lime, a tactile switch, is renowned for its lightweight design and subtle tactile feedback, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy a softer, more muted typing sensation without sacrificing the assurance of actuation. This switch embodies traits like being neutral, mild, and polished, appealing to tactile fans seeking a feathery light feel. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is a linear switch designed for enthusiasts who appreciate smooth key presses and a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which enhances the slightly quieter sound while preserving the signature clacky feel that HMX switches are known for. Each switch caters to distinct preferences, with the Lime focusing on a delicate balance of tactility and muted feedback, while the Twilight emphasizes smoothness and acoustic character. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and HMX Twilight switches are intriguingly comparable, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is widely regarded as a classic switch housing material due to its ability to create a distinctive sound profile. Both the Lime and the Twilight switches benefit from this attribute, producing a deeper and fuller sound when typed upon. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a subdued and rounded auditory experience. Hence, users of both switches can expect a similar acoustic quality, making either choice appealing for those who prefer muted keystrokes.

While both the Lime and Twilight switches utilize nylon throughout, the characteristics of the sound profile can still slightly differ based on the construction and design of each switch. With conventional wisdom suggesting that the bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, both models will still yield a satisfying typing experience. Given that both switches have nylon bottom housings, users can expect similarly plush typing interactions, enhancing overall engagement with the keyboard. However, even subtle variations like stem design or spring tension might introduce nuances to each switch’s feel during operation.

Ultimately, while both the Outemu Lime and HMX Twilight switches share identical housing materials, the overall typing experience can be subtly shaped by other design elements. The consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings ensures that users can anticipate high-quality sound absorption, leading to a mellow typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. This shared foundation reinforces that while the switches may differ in their construction or intended user experience, the consistency in material choice aligns them closely in terms of auditory feedback and typing satisfaction.

Weight

The Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, though they differ in their specific measurements. The Lime switch requires an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Twilight switch has a higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the Outemu Lime switch is the lighter option with lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the HMX Twilight provides a heavier but still manageable feel. Users seeking a more tactile and pronounced feedback may lean towards the Twilight, while those desiring ease and comfort during use might prefer the Lime.

Travel distance

The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the HMX Twilight linear switch, which features a travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference means that the Lime switch provides a more responsive feel, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quick actuation times. On the other hand, the Twilight switch offers a longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience that feels less abrupt. Consequently, those who prioritize a snappier response may lean towards the Lime, while those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate actuation might favor the Twilight.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Lime stands out due to its muted characteristics. The sound of the Lime switch is generally neutral, with a soft and quieter output compared to traditional clacky mechanical switches, making it relatively less intrusive and suitable for various settings. In contrast, while the Twilight has an extended travel distance which contributes to a slightly quieter experience, it maintains the signature clack often associated with HMX switches. This makes the Twilight potentially more audible in a shared space compared to the muted output of the Lime switch, providing a different auditory atmosphere.

In terms of feel, the Lime offers a unique combination of mild tactility and feather-light pressing force, making it exceptionally comfortable for users who type for prolonged periods. The typing experience is gentle and approachable, reducing finger fatigue due to its light actuation force, which is especially beneficial during extensive gaming or typing sessions. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Twilight switch in terms of feel remain unspecified, but as a linear switch, it can be assumed to provide a smooth and consistent key press without any tactile feedback. This means that while the Lime offers a gentle tactile response, the Twilight may present a different kind of typing experience that emphasizes linearity and smoothness.

In summary, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound profile and remarkably light and mild feel, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and less physically taxing typing experience. The HMX Twilight linear switch, while also quieter due to its longer travel, is known for its clackiness, presenting a more pronounced auditory presence. Users who prioritize a soft and gentle typing experience may gravitate towards the Lime, while those who prefer the smoothness associated with linear typing might find the Twilight more appealing. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that no matter the choice, they will significantly affect the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter typing experience with a moderate level of tactility that minimizes noise, the Lime switch is an excellent option. Its soft actuation and muted sound are ideal for settings where you need to be considerate of others, such as in shared workspaces or during long gaming sessions where comfort is paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a more responsive, smooth experience that offers a satisfying keystroke with increased travel distance, the HMX Twilight linear switch would be your go-to choice. The slightly firmer bottom-out force combined with its signature clackiness allows for a more dynamic typing experience, particularly well-suited for gaming or typing tasks that benefit from a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, assess your typing style, environment, and the kind of feedback you enjoy to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more