Cherry MX Orange vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and HMX Twilight offer intriguing options for users seeking a linear experience. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its reissuance of the original MX Orange switches, combines nostalgia with modern enhancements to meet today’s demands, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate tactile feedback without the audible click of a traditional switch. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter operation while still delivering the distinctive clacky sound characteristic of HMX switches. This could appeal to users who desire a smooth keystroke with a bit of acoustic feedback yet prefer to keep noise levels in check. While both switches provide a linear feel, catering to those who favor uninterrupted movement through their keypresses, each serves different preferences and environments. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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 Orange and the HMX Twilight, it’s evident that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This commonality ensures that users will experience a very similar sound profile when typing. Nylon, as a housing material, is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a distinctive duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the typing experience on both the MX Orange and HMX Twilight should evoke an auditory response that many typists appreciate, allowing for a satisfying and acoustic typing environment.
Moreover, since both switches employ nylon in the construction of their top and bottom housings, they will exhibit similar tactile and auditory qualities. Each housing's composition contributes to the overall effect when the switch is actuated; the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced during key release. This consistency across the MX Orange and HMX Twilight means that typists can expect very comparable feedback when engaging with these switches. The inherent properties of nylon ensure that the tactile response will be similar, promoting an enjoyable typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
In contrast, if the switches had different materials for their top and bottom housings, the typing experience would diverge due to the distinct sound and feel qualities each material brings. The nuanced variation in typist feedback would stem from the material differences impacting various aspects of sound and feel during both the key press and release phases. However, since both the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Twilight use nylon throughout, users are guaranteed a cohesive and harmonious experience, making their choice ultimately reliant on other factors such as actuation force or switch design rather than material variances. Thus, the consistent use of nylon plays a key role in harmonizing the user experience for both switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the HMX Twilight's lighter actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for a more substantial typing experience favored by users who appreciate heavier switches. However, the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, while the HMX Twilight provides a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a clear point where the key presses the switch fully down. This lighter configuration of the HMX Twilight may appeal to those who engage in long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In summary, the Cherry MX Orange offers a heavier feel, making it more suitable for users seeking a robust tactile experience, whereas the HMX Twilight, being lighter, is better suited for those prioritizing ease of typing and extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it’s evident that the MX Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference may seem minor, but it can impact the overall typing experience. The longer travel distance of the MX Orange caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing down a key, offering a sense of depth that some users prefer. Conversely, the Twilight switch, with its 3.85 mm travel, provides a more responsive experience, making it an attractive choice for gamers looking for quicker key actuation. In summary, if you favor a deeper keypress, the Cherry MX Orange is the better option, while the HMX Twilight is ideal for those who prefer a shorter and snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is noted for its distinctive auditory feedback that leans towards a traditional, yet refined click without being overly loud, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios where sound discretion is valued. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a slightly quieter performance that retains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. While the MX Orange provides a balanced auditory experience, the Twilight's sound signature may offer a more subdued option, appealing to those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing the tactile clarity during use.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch is designed to deliver a smooth and consistent linear experience, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes that are particularly favored by competitive gamers and typists alike. The HMX Twilight switch, while also linear, enhances this experience with its extended travel distance, creating a different sensation that promotes a more deliberate actuation. Both switches aim to provide a seamless typing experience, but the Twilight's additional travel may cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance and noticeable feedback in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Orange and HMX Twilight linear switches present compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts, each excelling in unique aspects of sound and feel. The MX Orange offers a balanced auditory profile and consistent tactile response, making it a reliable choice for a variety of uses. Conversely, the HMX Twilight provides a quieter performance with a more extended travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more gradual actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound levels and tactile sensations, but either option will yield satisfying results in the broader context of mechanical keyboard performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Cherry MX Orange and HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences and use cases. If you prioritize an incredibly smooth and quiet typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice, especially for those typing in shared or quieter environments where minimal sound is preferred. The MX Orange is ideal for general use, providing comfortable feedback without the distraction of noise, making it suitable for both work and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys a bit more tactile feedback and a slightly longer travel distance when typing or gaming, the HMX Twilight may be the better option for you. With its extended travel and clacky characteristics, it offers a more dynamic feel, appealing to gamers who appreciate that satisfying sound during intense gameplay or those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to whether you prioritize silent operation over extended travel and tactile feedback. Consider your personal preferences and environment before making a selection, and you'll find the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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