KTT Mallo vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances of each option can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Mallo stands out as a tactile switch that delivers a gentle feedback touch, making it ideal for typists who appreciate subtle cues without being overwhelmed. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, it seamlessly fits a range of environments, allowing for comfortable and focused typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, known for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer a smoother keystroke with less tactile interruption. While the Twilight maintains a slightly quieter sound profile, it embodies the characteristic clacky response that many HMX fans crave. Choosing between the Mallo’s refined tactility and the Twilight’s uninterrupted flow ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the HMX Twilight, a key distinction lies in the use of polycarbonate for the Mallo's top housing versus the nylon employed in the Twilight. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making the Mallo well-suited for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. This quality is further enhanced by the material's translucency, which allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing look. In contrast, the Twilight's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer characteristics. The absorption of sound in nylon results in a more muted auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
Both the Mallo and the Twilight share similarities in their bottom housing materials, as both are crafted from nylon. This leads to a deep and rich sound profile irrespective of the different top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing, being a classic choice, absorbs sound effectively, which means that both switches will invoke a duller, rounder sensation when bottoming out. Thus, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing results in comparable bottom-out experiences between the Mallo and Twilight, ensuring consistency in how the two keyboards feel during heavy typing sessions.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housing allow for unique sound experiences when pressing the switches. While the Mallo’s polycarbonate top provides a clearer and more resonant sound on release, the twilight's nylon top already sets a tone of warmth and depth. The differing materials highlight how the dynamics of typing can be influenced by the combination of housing options; with the Mallo excelling in visual light play and auditory brightness and the Twilight appealing to those looking for a softer and more rounded soundscape. This divergence in materials showcases the importance of housing construction in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo does not have a specified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Twilight the lighter switch overall, ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing for longer use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Mallo's higher bottom out force provides a stronger tactile feel, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the Twilight will be a better choice, whereas the Mallo offers a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Mallo features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Mallo the longer travel switch, providing a more traditional feel that some users may find appealing for its depth. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Twilight can offer quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster actuation. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can influence the overall typing experience; the Mallo may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced press, while the Twilight may cater to users who prefer a more immediate feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Mallo is characterized by its neutral sound signature, which ensures a moderate sound level that's neither overwhelming nor too quiet. This makes the Mallo versatile enough for various environments, whether in a busy office or at home. Its subdued nature means that while it does produce sound upon actuation, it is not excessively loud, creating a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Twilight switch's sound profile is inherently quieter due to its design, which features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, allowing for a more muted clack. However, it maintains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, which may lead to a slightly less versatile sound compared to the Mallo switch, particularly in environments where noise reduction is crucial.
In terms of feel, the Mallo switch shines with its gentle actuation force, described as feathery and mild, which contributes to a comfortable typing experience, especially for long sessions. The subtle tactile feedback provided by the stepped design allows for a noticeable yet not overpowering experience, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. The varied descriptors—feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle—converge on an experience designed to minimize finger fatigue and enhance comfort. In contrast, the feel of the Twilight switch remains unknown, making it difficult to draw comparisons or highlight advantages or disadvantages in this domain.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch serve different preferences and typing experiences. The Mallo is favored for its balanced sound and gentle, comfortable feel, ideal for users seeking a subtle and versatile switch. Meanwhile, the Twilight offers a quieter actuation with its longer travel, although specifics about its tactile feedback remain ambiguous. Users who appreciate the milder tactile feedback of the Mallo may also find value in the unique properties of the Twilight, though their experiences may differ significantly based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch will largely depend on your preferences and intended use. If you seek a balanced typing experience with gentle tactile feedback that doesn’t overwhelm, the KTT Mallo is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for typists looking for comfort during extended writing sessions, whether at work or home, thanks to its feathery and mildly subdued characteristics. This switch’s neutral sound profile ensures you won’t disrupt your surroundings, making it suitable for both shared spaces and personal setups. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Twilight's linear design—boasting a bottom out force of just 50 grams—might be more to your liking. With its extended 3.85mm travel distance, this switch offers a quieter yet satisfying linear experience, perfect for gamers or anyone who enjoys a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump. Ultimately, consider what kind of feedback, sound, and overall typing experience you desire, as both switches cater to different needs while offering comfort and performance.
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