Outemu Blue vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue 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 Outemu Blue and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Outemu Blue switches are renowned for their clicky feedback, providing an auditory and tactile response that many typists and gamers alike appreciate for its satisfying "click" with each keystroke. This makes them particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience and the ability to clearly hear their actions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch caters to users seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience, boasting an extended 3.85mm travel distance that allows for a subtle yet impactful feel without the pronounced sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who value minimal distraction and a more fluid keypress, particularly in shared or quiet 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and HMX Twilight switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the auditory experience they provide. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency not only enhances the aesthetics when using RGB lighting but also amplifies the high-pitched frequencies produced, making it ideal for users seeking a bright auditory response. Conversely, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing that absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature dampens higher frequencies, leading to a sound that is rounder and more subdued. Therefore, while both switches may cater to different sound preferences, the Outemu Blue stands out for those who favor brightness and clarity, whereas the HMX Twilight is more suited for those who enjoy a warmer, richer sound.
In contrast, both the Outemu Blue and HMX Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a commonality that influences their overall sound character in a shared manner. The nylon bottom housing in both switches delivers a deep and full auditory experience, characterized by a more dulled and rounded sound due to its sound-absorbing nature. This aspect serves to blend the sonic qualities of the switches, ensuring that regardless of the differing top materials, the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile feel similarly across both models. As such, users can expect a degree of auditory consistency when typing on both switches, which may appeal to those who appreciate a cohesive bottom-out experience regardless of the contrasting top sounds.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience of both the Outemu Blue and HMX Twilight. With the Outemu Blue’s polycarbonate top contributing to a higher-pitched auditory experience and the nylon bottom reinforcing a fuller sound, the switch creates an interesting dynamic that balances clarity with depth during use. In contrast, the HMX Twilight’s nylon top softens the auditory response while the nylon bottom continues to provide that rich sound profile. Users will find that despite their differences, both switches can provide satisfying results through their complementary qualities, thereby accommodating various typing preferences while ensuring both models maintain aspects of a positive and engaging auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can significantly influence user experience. The Outemu Blue features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the HMX Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference suggests that the HMX Twilight may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, enabling longer typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottoming out, the Twilight switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, but the Blue's bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison there. However, since the Twilight has both an actuation force and a bottom out force defined, it can be perceived as having a more consistent performance throughout a keystroke. Overall, the Outemu Blue is the heavier option, providing a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the HMX Twilight offers a lighter alternative suited for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Blue switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a satisfying depth for typing and may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile sensation. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm, catering to those who may favor a quicker response time typical of shorter switches. Although the difference is only 0.15 mm, it can impact the feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming. As such, if one prioritizes a more pronounced actuation and greater depth, the Outemu Blue would be the better choice, whereas the Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, would be preferable for those who value speed and quick responsiveness.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The Outemu Blue clicky switch produces a distinctly audible sound, characterized by a sharp and satisfying click that announces each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound is often enjoyed in a gaming or typing environment where the feedback can enhance the experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch has an extended travel distance of 3.85mm which contributes to a quieter operation compared to the Blue. Although it maintains the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, the overall performance is less intrusive, making it suitable for quieter settings while still providing a tactile sensation without the pronounced sound of a click.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile feedback and resistance, offering a definitive bump at the actuation point which many typists find satisfying. This rugged feel can lead to increased typing speed and accuracy for those who prefer a notable response to their touches. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch delivers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke from the top to the bottom without any tactile bump. This uninterrupted motion is favored by users who prefer a more fluid typing experience, particularly in gaming scenarios where swift key presses are essential.
In summary, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Blue’s pronounced click and tactile feedback provide a robust typing experience ideal for those who enjoy auditory and tactile cues, whereas the Twilight's quieter operation and smooth keypress cater to users seeking a more fluid and stealthy typing feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and the overall typing or gaming experience desired.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy an audible and tactile feedback while typing, the Outemu Blue may be the better fit for you, especially if you find satisfaction in the characteristic clicky sound that can enhance your typing experience. These switches can be particularly suited for typists who appreciate a more engaging auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch is an excellent option, thanks to its extended travel distance and lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes the Twilight ideal for gamers or those who type for long durations without the distraction of sound or a jolting feel from the switches. Ultimately, consider the environments you’ll be using the keyboard in and whether you value feedback or silence more; both switches have their unique appeal depending on your priorities.
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