Bsun Olive vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Olive and HMX Twilight each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Olive, known for its all-POM housings, produces a resonant and deep sound, making each keystroke a distinctly satisfying experience. With pronounced tactile feedback and a medium weight, these switches provide that “snappy” feel many typists crave, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, featuring an extended 3.85mm travel distance that lends itself to a quieter typing experience while still retaining the engaging clack typically associated with HMX switches. If you prefer a tactile sensation with audible feedback, the Bsun Olive may be your perfect match, while the HMX Twilight might appeal to those who seek an efficient, smooth keypress. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the HMX Twilight, it is evident that both are designed to produce a distinct auditory experience, yet they employ different raw materials to achieve this. The Olive utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is celebrated for creating an "incredibly pleasing and unique sound." This results in a sound profile that leans more towards the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. In contrast, the Twilight employs nylon for its housing, a classic choice that also generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with a slightly brighter quality. The underlying characteristics of nylon as a softer plastic allow it to absorb more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience.
In examining the materials further, we can see how the different properties of POM and nylon impact the typing experience. The Olives’ POM housings impart a distinct tonal quality, with both the top and bottom contributing to a muted sound that many users may find appealing. The Twilight’s nylon casings, meanwhile, provide a familiar sound that many typists appreciate, characterized by a mellower resonance due to the softer nature of nylon. Though different in material, both switch types aim for a similar auditory result: a joyful and satisfying sound when typing, showcasing how different materials can still yield comparable experiences.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel when typing. For the Bsun Olive, both POM housings contribute equally to the unique auditory profile, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight’s distinct housing materials will split the auditory characteristics: the bottom nylon housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing directly affects the release sound. While the materials differ, both switches can deliver similarly deeper sound profiles and enjoyable tactile feedback, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on preference for specific materials and their nuanced influences on performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Olive switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Twilight switch offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer less resistance during typing. As such, the Olive switch is the heavier option overall, making it suitable for users who appreciate a firmer feel when typing, while the Twilight is ideal for individuals who favor a lighter touch that can facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Though both switches provide a unique typing experience, their differences in actuation and bottom out forces shape their suitability based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch features a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Olive may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, the Twilight's longer travel distance could provide the hearty depth that some users enjoy. Therefore, the Bsun Olive is the shorter option, and the HMX Twilight is the longer one, catering to different preferences in switch feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive switches are known for their resonant and deep auditory profile, which contributes to a rich typing experience that many enthusiasts find pleasing. This characteristic is due to the all-POM housings, which enhance the overall tonal quality when pressing the keys. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a somewhat quieter sound despite retaining the clacky tendencies that are a hallmark of HMX switches. The extended 3.85mm travel distance plays a significant role in moderating the sound produced during operation, resulting in a typing environment that is less intrusive while still providing feedback to the user.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Bsun Olive truly shines with a blend of tactile qualities. It delivers an accented tactile experience, described as invigorating, sharp, and snappy—each key press is met with a pronounced tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making for an engaging and immersive typing sensation. The moderate to firm actuation force ensures that users can feel each keystroke distinctly, adding to the overall satisfaction. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Twilight switch remains unknown, but linear switches typically favor smoother transitions without the pronounced tactile feedback that typists may associate with switches like the Olive.
In conclusion, while both switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, the Bsun Olive is particularly distinguished by its deep sound and engaging tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who revel in a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight offers a quieter option rooted in linear switch characteristics, making it potentially appealing for users who prefer smoothness and reduced noise. Each switch serves different preferences; therefore, the choice between them will ultimately depend on individual typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios will play a significant role. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper, resonant sound, the Olive switch is the ideal choice, especially if you prefer a heavier actuation force that provides a substantial feel during typing. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams offers the invigorating and sharp feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly suitable for tasks like coding or intense writing sessions where you benefit from tactile clarity. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a quieter sound and a more understated typing feel, the Twilight linear switch would be your best bet. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams and an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, this switch offers a smooth, snappy response that is ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where quick key presses are essential. Thus, your decision should ultimately reflect your personal preferences for feedback, sound, and the overall typing experience you seek.
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