Outemu Brown vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Brown switch, recognized for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump that helps typists feel when a key has been activated, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch, characterized by its linear design, offers an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which results in smoother key presses and slightly quieter operation while retaining the signature clacky sound associated with HMX switches. Choosing the Outemu Brown may appeal to gamers and typists who enjoy the tactile confirmation and quick response, whereas the HMX Twilight may attract those who prioritize fluidity and reduced noise. 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
53g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the Outemu Brown and the HMX Twilight switches, the differences in their top housing materials offer distinct tonal profiles that cater to varying typing preferences. The Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This property becomes particularly notable in conjunction with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. Conversely, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer properties. This contrast in materials influences not only the acoustic characteristics but also user experience, attracting different types of users who may prefer the clarity of the Brown to the warmth of the Twilight.
While the top housing materials create a distinct contrast, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes a level of consistency to their auditory feedback. The nylon used in both the Outemu Brown and the HMX Twilight is effective at absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that's beneficial for those who appreciate a less harsh auditory experience when bottoming out. Because the bottom housing significantly affects the initial sound and feel when a key is pressed, users of both switches can expect a unified deeper sound when the key is fully actuated, despite the differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing on the Outemu Brown and a nylon top housing on the HMX Twilight delineates their character, while both embody the same nylon bottom housing. This design choice means that while users may experience a sharper sound when releasing the Brown's keys versus a mellower sound from the Twilight due to its nylon top, both switches can still provide a satisfying and consistent bottom-out experience marked by the same deeper tone. For those who value a rich auditory experience during tactile typing, the nuanced interplay between these materials offers a customizable approach to keyboard design, ensuring that enthusiasts can find what suits their style best.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Brown requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 53 grams, requiring more effort to trigger a key, which may benefit typists or gamers who prefer substantial feedback and a more resistant feel. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where ease of use is paramount. Furthermore, the bottom out forces reflect this disparity, with the Brown's bottom out force being 65 grams compared to the Twilight’s lighter 50 grams. Thus, the Outemu Brown is the heavier of the two switches, providing a more robust tactile experience, while the HMX Twilight stands out for its lighter touch, catering to users seeking comfort over long durations. This contrast makes the Brown better suited for those who enjoy resistance, and the Twilight preferable for those who appreciate a nimble typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we observe that the Brown switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown offers a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, making it suitable for users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers who rely on speed and precision. Therefore, if you're looking for a more traditional and tactile experience, the Outemu Brown would be the better choice, while the HMX Twilight is ideal for those seeking a more streamlined, rapid response.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is generally perceived as providing a balanced auditory experience that leans towards a muted but satisfying click without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch boasts an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a slightly quieter performance while still maintaining the characteristic clacky sound associated with HMX switches. This distinct acoustic profile means that those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback may find the Twilight suitable, provided that the right combination of board and keycaps is chosen to accentuate those clacky tones.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile bump, which provides a clear point of actuation that appeals to touch typists and gamers alike. This tactile feedback helps improve accuracy while typing and enhances the overall engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, allowing for effortless key presses. This makes it more suited to those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, where seamless transitions between keys are preferable.
Overall, if you are deciding between the Outemu Brown and the HMX Twilight switches, your choice will ultimately hinge on the specific qualities you prioritize. If you favor a tactile feel with moderate sound, the Brown may be the ideal switch for you. However, if you prefer a quieter, linear experience with a more pronounced acoustic profile, the Twilight could better suit your needs. Both options can provide satisfying results tailored to different preferences, making either a solid choice based on your typing style and sound environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that signifies key presses, the Outemu Brown might be the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can help reduce typing fatigue during long sessions, making it ideal for users who type a lot and appreciate the physical feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch, with its lighter 50 grams of actuation force and extended travel distance, is an excellent option. Its quieter nature and elongated travel can be particularly beneficial for those who appreciate speed and fluidity in their typing, whether for gaming or extensive writing. Ultimately, consider your needs and preferences—whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel—before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
