KTT MoonRosa vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the KTT MoonRosa and HMX Twilight offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite being linear switches. The KTT MoonRosa stands out with its all-POM construction, designed for a buttery smooth typing experience and featuring a neutral sound profile categorized as mild, low-pitched, and easy to press. This makes it an attractive choice for users who prioritize a seamless keystroke without distracting noise. Conversely, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, offering a slightly quieter yet still clacky typing experience that embodies the signature HMX feel. While the Twilight may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more feedback during their typing, the MoonRosa caters to those seeking a smoother, gentler touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT MoonRosa and the HMX Twilight are both designed with distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The MoonRosa features POM housings for both the top and bottom, emphasizing a unique tonal quality that tends toward a muted and deeper sound. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is made using nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon’s characteristics are recognized for producing a fuller sound profile that is rich and rounded, primarily due to its softer nature which absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials. Thus, while both switches aim to create a satisfying auditory experience, the MoonRosa’s POM material results in a sound that is more restrained, whereas the Twilight’s nylon housing promotes a more vibrant acoustic presence.
When analyzing the individual contributions of the housing materials to their respective switches, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material impact the overall feel and sound differently. For the MoonRosa, the POM plastic’s muted sound profile is balanced across both top and bottom housings, making the experience consistently deep. On the other hand, the Twilight’s nylon construction allows for a sound profile that benefits from enhanced depth and roundness; its softer plastic absorbs more vibrations, leading to a fuller typing sound. As a result, the differences in material affect the bottom-out sound and feel while typing—the MoonRosa maintains a uniform sound across the switch, while the Twilight achieves a certain harmonic richness especially accentuated through its nylon top housing.
In summary, while both the KTT MoonRosa and HMX Twilight switches generate deeper sound profiles when typing due to their construction materials, the specific materials used set them apart in terms of acoustic quality. The MoonRosa’s POM material creates a consistent and muted sound experience throughout, whereas the nylon composition of the Twilight emphasizes sound absorption for a fuller auditory effect. Thus, even though both switches produce similar sound depths, their contrasting materials provide unique experiences that cater to varied user preferences in keyboard acoustics and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can affect user experience. The MoonRosa features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Twilight has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. This means that while both switches are on the lighter side, the MoonRosa would appeal to those seeking more effortless keystrokes for extended use, whereas the Twilight may cater to users who prefer a firmer push with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for lightness versus push force during typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's clear that the MoonRosa has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight offers a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the MoonRosa the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance they need to press down on the key. Conversely, the Twilight's longer travel distance allows for a more substantial feel, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for travel distance, with the MoonRosa catering to those favoring responsiveness and the Twilight appealing to users who appreciate a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT MoonRosa switch offers a low-pitched sound signature characterized by a mellow, bass-heavy tone that provides a soothing auditory experience. This can be advantageous for users seeking a typing environment that is less intrusive, especially in quieter settings. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch, while not explicitly described in terms of its audio characteristics, is noted for having a slightly quieter sound profile thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which may help in reducing overall noise during typing. However, any clacky sounds typically associated with HMX switches appear to be retained, potentially providing a unique blend of both quieter operation and the familiar clack users might expect from HMX designs. Overall, while the sound profiles differ, both can cater to users looking for a less disruptive typing experience, with the Twilight leaning more towards quieter operation.
Regarding feel, the MoonRosa switch is engineered for a mild typing experience, which offers gentle resistance and an effortlessly pleasant sensation when typing. Its easy-to-press nature allows users to engage with the keyboard comfortably, minimizing finger fatigue during extended use. The neutral feedback makes the MoonRosa approachable and suitable for nearly anyone, catering well to casual typists and gamers alike. The HMX Twilight's feel, however, remains unspecified in available information. Without details on its tactility or resistance, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison, but users familiar with the HMX line may expect a similar level of comfort and responsiveness from the Twilight as well.
In summary, both the KTT MoonRosa and HMX Twilight linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MoonRosa excels in delivering a smooth, low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feeling, ideal for users prioritizing gentle typing experiences. On the other hand, while the Twilight switch offers a quieter operation and maintains some signature clacky characteristics, its tactile feedback is less defined due to a lack of specific information. Ultimately, those seeking either switch can expect a satisfying typing experience, though the MoonRosa may be the preferred choice for those looking for that buttery smooth feel and soothing sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT MoonRosa and HMX Twilight linear switches, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a smooth and gentle typing experience, particularly for prolonged use, the MoonRosa switch, with its low bottom-out force and mild characteristics, would be an excellent choice. Its all-POM construction results in a low-pitched sound signature that contributes to a more mellow and approachable auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation and are looking for a switch that offers a bit more resistance and extended travel distance, the HMX Twilight might be more suited to your needs. Its quiet yet distinct clacky feedback can keep your typing lively while still maintaining a softer sound profile. In essence, choosing the MoonRosa will provide you with effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue, while opting for the Twilight will give you a more pronounced yet still low-noise experience. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on your typing style and whether you prioritize lightness and smoothness or a touch more resistance and travel distance.