Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Twilight offer unique advantages tailored for different needs. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response times, making it an ideal choice for competitive gamers who rely on quick reflexes; its linear action and low spring resistance facilitate instantaneous actuation, helping players gain an edge in fast-paced environments. Furthermore, the Speed Silver is characterized by a textured and thocky feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter typing experience while still delivering the beloved clacky sounds synonymous with HMX switches. This makes the Twilight a suitable option for users who prioritize a more subdued sound profile without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to distinct preferences; 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Twilight share a fundamental characteristic in their construction, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice in material is significant, as nylon is recognized for its ability to dampen sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Both switches benefit from this property, producing a softer sound profile that is less jangly and harsh compared to those made from harder plastics. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar acoustic feel during operation, enhancing the tactile feedback in a way that is satisfying and conducive to both gaming and typing.
In terms of the tactile experience, while both switches utilize the same material—nylon—the overall feel can differ due to potential variations in design or internal mechanics. Even though both switches absorb sound effectively and provide a cushioned typing experience, users may notice slight distinctions in the sensation when bottoming out and releasing keys, particularly as the internal configurations might influence responsiveness and actuation force. However, because both switches capitalize on the inherent qualities of nylon, they maintain a consistent, rounded auditory feedback, regardless of these other potential differences.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Twilight allow them to deliver comparable auditory experiences while typing. Users can expect to achieve a plush and dampened sound profile from each switch, courtesy of the nylon's inherent sound-absorbing qualities. While each may possess subtle differences in feel or responsiveness, those seeking a quieter typing experience with a satisfying sound will likely find both switches fulfilling their needs effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's evident that these two switches cater to slightly different preferences in typing experience due to their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Speed Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the HMX Twilight offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Twilight switch is designed to require less effort to register a keystroke, making it a potentially more comfortable choice for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Speed Silver is unspecified, whereas the Twilight has a noticeably higher bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that, while both switches have a fairly close actuation force, the Twilight switch offers a more definitive tactile feedback upon reaching the end of its travel, which some users may prefer. Ultimately, the lighter actuation force of the HMX Twilight caters to those seeking ease during extended use, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Twilight extends to 3.85 mm. This difference indicates that the Speed Silver is the shorter option, catering to gamers and users who prefer faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. In contrast, the Twilight's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth when activating their switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more traditional keystroke experience, with the Speed Silver providing a quicker activation and the Twilight offering a more pronounced travel sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a distinctive sound characterized by a thocky, low-pitched tone, offering a deep, rich auditory feedback when engaged. This results in a sense of satisfaction when typing or gaming, often deemed appealing by users who appreciate a more robust sound profile. The combination of its thocky nature and low pitch enhances the overall experience, making every keystroke feel more deliberate and impactful. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch is known for its slightly quieter sound while retaining the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. While it's unclear how the Twilight compares in specific decibel levels or tonal qualities, its design aims to provide a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer less noise without compromising the mechanical feel.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch features a textured interaction characterized by some noticeable friction during pressing. This texture can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile typing sensation, although it might be less desirable for users who favor a smoother keystroke. Meanwhile, the feel of the HMX Twilight switch remains unknown, leaving potential users without a clear comparison of the tactile response. However, if the HMX Twilight possesses a linear feel similar to other linear switches, it may provide a smoother experience that caters to users who prioritize swift and uninterrupted key presses.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in producing a gratifying sound and a textured feel that enhances its performance for gaming, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a quieter auditory experience that may be appealing for a different audience. If the overall qualities of the Twilight align closely with typical linear switches, users can expect a smooth keystroke experience akin to that of the Speed Silver; however, the nuanced contrasts in sound and tactile feedback will ultimately guide a user's choice between the two. Depending on individual preferences for auditory feedback and tactile response, each switch has its merits that could cater to distinct typing or gaming styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch and the HMX Twilight switch really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re primarily a gamer and require rapid, instant key presses for competitive gameplay, the MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice due to its ultra-light spring resistance and quick actuation. Its low-pitched, thocky sound and textured feel enhance the gaming experience by providing tactile feedback, helping you stay engaged during crucial moments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly quieter yet satisfying typing experience, coupled with a more substantial bottom-out force, the HMX Twilight is an excellent option. Its extended travel distance and smooth linear action can make it more suitable for typing tasks, providing a gentle and controlled key press that might be preferable for long hours of work or casual gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more balanced, comfortable feel when typing.
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