Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often come to mind: the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Twilight. The Cherry MX Black switch is renowned for its textured smoothness, courtesy of Cherry's advanced Hyperglide tooling. It features a deep sound profile that many typists appreciate, delivering a tactile yet stiff experience well-suited for those who enjoy a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch offers a remarkable 3.85mm travel distance, producing a quieter typing experience while still preserving the characteristic clacky sound that HMX fans love. Despite both being linear switches, they cater to different typing preferences and experiences, with the Cherry MX Black providing a classic feel and the HMX Twilight emphasizing travel distance and quiet operation. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Black and the HMX Twilight switches, it is important to note that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice provides both switches with a fundamental acoustic characteristic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature contributes to the sound absorption, allowing both switches to produce a duller and rounder sound compared to those made with harder plastics. Consequently, users of both the MX Black and Twilight can expect a similar auditory experience, enriched by the properties of nylon that enhance the overall typing feel through sound dampening.
However, while both switches feature identical materials for their housings, the overall performance and tactile feedback might still diverge due to other design elements such as stem type and actuation force. For instance, the MX Black switch is known for its linear action, providing smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, while the HMX Twilight might offer a different activation mechanism or feel that personalizes the typing experience further. While the material similarity of nylon ensures comparable acoustic results, the differences in switch design can lead to distinctive user interactions, making each switch unique despite their shared housing.
In terms of user experience, the consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings signifies that both switches will exhibit comparable sound characteristics when bottoming out or releasing a key. The impact of the housing material is balanced between the sound produced while actuating the key and the tactile sensation of the key press. Since both the Cherry MX Black and HMX Twilight share the same camera-ready approach with nylon, users can confidently expect a similar sound profile that enhances the aesthetic of their typing experience, even if the switches diverge in responsive qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option that may provide a more substantial feel during typing or gaming, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it more suitable for prolonged use, as it reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort would gravitate towards the Twilight, while those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a heavier switch might choose the MX Black. Overall, these contrasting specifications highlight the differing experiences each switch offers based on user preference for weight and actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that the MX Black offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference of 0.15 mm might seem minimal, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Twilight may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as it could enhance the overall speed of input. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users appreciate. Ultimately, if you prioritize a deeper, more deliberate key press, the Cherry MX Black would be the preferable choice, whereas if you favor responsiveness and a quicker actuation, the HMX Twilight would be better suited for your needs.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The Cherry MX Black linear switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile that is characterized by its deep, bass-heavy tone, which many users find soothing while typing. This mellow sound can create a pleasant typing experience, especially in quieter environments where the acoustic qualities of a switch are more pronounced. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which leads to a slightly quieter sound overall. However, the Twilight still retains the signature clacky characteristics of HMX switches, providing a unique auditory experience that balances softness with an engaging typing note.
When it comes to feel, the MX Black is notable for its textured and stiff characteristics. The textured nature means that users will experience some noticeable friction while typing, which can provide tactile feedback that some may prefer. Additionally, the stiff actuation of these switches requires a higher force to press down, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more forceful typing experience. The tactile response from the MX Blacks can be satisfying for those who appreciate feedback during use. In contrast, the subjective qualities of the HMX Twilight switch in terms of feel are not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how these switches compare when it comes to tactile feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black and HMX Twilight switches both cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they share a common goal of enhancing the typing experience. The MX Black excels in producing a rich, low-pitched sound while providing a textured and stiff feel, making it suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate feedback. Meanwhile, the Twilight offers a quieter yet distinctive sound, though its exact feel qualities remain unknown. Both switches provide unique yet complementary experiences, so users can choose based on their specific preferences for sound and tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Twilight linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you wish to achieve. If you favor a heavier, more tactile typing experience and appreciate a deep, bass-heavy sound profile, the Cherry MX Black is an excellent choice. Its 80-gram bottom-out force and textured feel provide you with a substantial and deliberate keystroke, making it especially suitable for those who typists or gamers who enjoy resistance as a means for precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother and quieter experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch may be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and an extended travel distance, these switches offer a satisfying yet cushioned typing experience without the strain of heavier switches. The Twilight's design caters to users who value speed and quick key presses, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your specific needs, bringing together the strengths of each switch to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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