Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown switches are celebrated for their subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience that balances gentle tactility with subdued audio feedback. This makes them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a nuanced feel without the distraction of excessive sound, making them ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is known for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, enabling a slightly quieter yet still satisfying clack that many gamers and typists enjoy. This feature enhances performance in fast-paced situations, appealing particularly to users who prefer smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style and acoustic preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Twilight switches, a notable similarity emerges in that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is identified as a classic switch housing material, favored for its acoustic properties. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, thanks to the material's relatively soft nature which effectively absorbs sound waves. Consequently, both switches are likely to produce a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, making them suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Delving deeper into the performance characteristics of the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Twilight, the impact of the nylon material is consistent across both switches. With the softer plastic composition, the bottom housing plays a key role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel during a keystroke. By contrast, the top housing influences the acoustic signature when the key is released. Because both switches share the same nylon material in their housings, users can expect similar tactile sensations and sound responses regardless of whether they are using the Cherry MX Brown or the HMX Twilight.
In examining any potential differences in typing feel and sound output, it is essential to note that the identical nylon components of both switches mitigate discrepancies that might arise from variations in other materials. Therefore, despite any unique design elements or refinements associated with the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Twilight switches, the shared nylon construction leads to a remarkably comparable typing experience. This alignment in housing materials reinforces the notion that users switching between these two options will encounter a near-equivalent sensation and auditory feedback, emphasizing the efficacy of nylon in enhancing the overall keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Brown requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that typists or gamers who prefer less resistance will find the Twilight more suitable for extended periods of use, reducing finger fatigue. Similarly, both switches exhibit comparable bottom out forces, yet the MX Brown is slightly heavier overall. Users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Brown due to its higher weights, while those favoring a softer touch should opt for the HMX Twilight for a quicker, lighter response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Cherry MX Brown offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Twilight the shorter of the two options, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to the reduced distance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, with its standard travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you enjoy a more responsive typing experience, the HMX Twilight would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keystroke may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Brown.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches produce a bassy and low-pitched auditory profile. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a deeper and richer sound when typing. The audio feedback is relatively subdued, contributing to a less intrusive experience that allows for concentration while working or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switches are designed to be slightly quieter due to their extended 3.85mm travel distance, yet they maintain the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This suggests that while the Twilight may not reach the same depth of sound as the MX Brown, it still offers a satisfying auditory experience without becoming overly loud.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a textured typing experience, featuring noticeable friction during key presses. This subtler tactile feedback can be appealing for users who enjoy a bit of feedback without it being excessively jarring. On the other hand, the qualities of the HMX Twilight linear switch regarding feel remain unspecified; therefore, we can't directly compare them. Nevertheless, it can be inferred that since the Twilight is a linear switch, its feel will differ significantly unless it adopts a similar tactile response to the Brown, which would be uncommon.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Twilight switches cater to different user preferences through sound and feel. The MX Brown excels in providing a bassy sound alongside a textured feel, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a tactile feedback with deeper audio. In contrast, the HMX Twilight offers a quieter experience with potentially smooth keystrokes, appealing to users who prefer linear switches. Understanding these differences will ensure that newcomers can make an informed decision according to their typing style and audio preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a balanced typing experience that combines a tactile feedback with a moderate sound profile, the MX Brown is an excellent option. Its subtlety in feel and sound makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes, the HMX Twilight may be your best bet. With a slightly lighter actuation force and an extended travel distance, it provides a quieter typing experience while maintaining a more pronounced 'clacky' sound, which can be particularly appealing if you’re after a more satisfying auditory feedback without the tactile bump. Ultimately, consider your primary tasks—whether you'll be engaged in long typing sessions where subtlety counts or fast-paced gaming where responsiveness is key—to determine which switch suits you best.
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