Cherry MX Red vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options are the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Twilight. The Cherry MX Red, a classic choice among typists and gamers alike, is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience with its unique combination of responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. This switch is characterized as “thocky,” “low-pitched,” and “textured,” making it ideal for those who enjoy a little more tactile feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Twilight presents a different appeal with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, resulting in a slightly quieter sound while still maintaining the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. While the MX Red may cater to individuals who prefer a richer auditory experience, the Twilight benefits those seeking a smooth yet subtle execution, particularly in quieter 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
45g
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 Red and the HMX Twilight switches, it is notable that both models utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent auditory and tactile experience across both switches. Typing on either switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the inherent properties of nylon as a softer plastic. This results in a sound that is softer and more muffled compared to switches made from harder plastics, making both switches conducive to a quieter typing experience.
Additionally, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall performance of each switch by significantly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Since both the Cherry MX Red and HMX Twilight utilize nylon in their bottom housings, they share this characteristic of producing a softened sound profile upon key activation. The use of nylon helps to absorb vibrations, which leads to a rounder sound when the keys are bottomed out, creating a pleasant auditory feedback for users who prefer a more subdued keystroke.
While the manufacturing materials of both the Cherry MX Red and HMX Twilight housing are the same, attention should be paid to the overall feel when engaging with each switch. The fact that both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings ensures that their sound profiles will be very similar; however, slight variations in other design aspects or switch mechanisms could still lead to distinctions in typing feel or responsiveness. Therefore, while users can enjoy the benefits of both switches' nylon housings, further personal preferences might influence the choice between the two, depending on tactile feedback and switch actuation characteristics.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference suggests that the Twilight switch may provide a more effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially in long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its heavier actuation force, could appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force of the MX Red is not available, which makes it difficult to compare this aspect directly. The HMX Twilight bottom out force is measured at 50 grams, which indicates a firmer resistance when fully pressed down compared to the MX Red, whose bottom out force remains unspecified. Thus, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the HMX Twilight is the lighter option overall, while the Cherry MX Red may offer a more robust experience depending on the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Cherry MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Red the longer of the two options. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm is favored by those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, offering a satisfying depth. In contrast, the shorter 3.85 mm distance of the HMX Twilight caters to gamers looking for quicker response times, though some users may find this shorter distance feels abrupt. Thus, individuals seeking a more optimized and responsive experience may prefer the Twilight, while those who value a deeper keypress might lean towards the Cherry MX Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 considering the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Red switch, one can expect a rich auditory experience marked by its thocky nature and low-pitched tone. This deeper sound profile is reminiscent of a gentle, satisfying thud each time a key is pressed and released, providing an immersive typing experience. The sound quality is particularly influenced by the choice of keyboard build and keycap materials, which can enhance the inherent acoustics of the MX Red. In comparison, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed with an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter operation. However, it still retains the clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. Thus, while the MX Red offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Twilight leans towards a more subdued sound without sacrificing the engaging qualities of a mechanical switch.
In terms of tactile feel, the Cherry MX Red is regarded for its textured sensation, which brings a certain dynamism to the typing experience. This texture can create noticeable friction during key presses, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of resistance as they type. It's particularly favored by those who appreciate a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Twilight is not explicitly defined, leaving some uncertainty about its tactile properties. The absence of detailed tactile feedback might suggest a smoother typing experience, but this aspect remains to be explored further.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and HMX Twilight switches offer different auditory and tactile experiences for enthusiasts. While the MX Red excels with its thocky sound and textured feel, the Twilight presents a quieter typing experience with an extended travel distance. Both switches can cater to specific preferences, ensuring that newcomers can find something suitable regardless of whether they gravitate towards deeper, more pronounced acoustic signatures or a more muted approach in their typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you gravitate towards a classic switch that offers a robust typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound and a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice. It excels in scenarios where you want a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and auditory depth, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with an extended travel distance and a light bottom-out force that still maintains the unique clacky characteristics of HMX switches, then the HMX Twilight may be the better option for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a smoother keystroke experience without the harsher sound profile of some other switches, making it great for prolonged use in quiet environments. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a smoother and quieter keystroke.
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