Outemu Cream Pink vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Twilight linear switches. The Outemu Cream Pink is celebrated for its unique feel and smooth keystrokes, making it an enticing choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a linear switch without the pronounced tactile bump. Conversely, the HMX Twilight sets itself apart with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, allowing for a slightly quieter operation while still delivering the characteristic clack that HMX switches are known for. While both switches offer a linear response ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming, the Cream Pink leans more towards a silky smooth experience, whereas the Twilight presents a balance of quietness and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs perfectly.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Twilight switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which is highly regarded in mechanical keyboard construction. The nylon top housing for both switches produces a deep and rich sound profile. This is largely due to nylon’s softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb vibrations better than harder plastics. Consequently, both the Cream Pink and Twilight switches share similar acoustic properties, creating a full-bodied typing experience that favors soft, rounded sounds over harsher tones. Users can expect a consistent acoustic performance when using either switch, making them suitable choices for quiet environments or for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback during typing sessions.

Examining the bottom housing reveals another point of similarity between the Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Twilight switches, as both also utilize nylon in this section. The bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound quality when a key is bottomed out. With both switches composed of the same nylon material for the bottom housing, they provide similar tactile feedback and sound damping characteristics. This leads to a consistent experience across both switch types, maintaining the deep sound profile that has been established by their top housings. Typists can enjoy a cohesive performance, knowing that both switches deliver a comparable bottom-out experience thanks to their shared nylon construction.

While the materials for both the Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Twilight switches align perfectly, if there were any differences in housing materials, the overall typing experience would still reflect the unique qualities of each component. The top housing would affect the release sound and overall tonal characteristics when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing would play a more significant role in the sound and feel during key presses. Since both switches use identical nylon materials in both the top and bottom housings, users can enjoy a harmonized performance that emphasizes the benefits of nylon in creating a pleasing acoustic environment, without any discrepancies in user experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Pink switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a preferable option for those who enjoy a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, while both switches have different characteristics in terms of force, the Cream Pink is the heavier option, and the Twilight is the lighter one, catering to distinct user preferences in typing dynamics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Twilight linear switches, there is a noticeable difference. The Cream Pink features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it more traditional and suited for those who appreciate a deeper press. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm, which caters to gamers and users seeking faster response times. This slight difference underscores a key choice for users: opting for the Cream Pink if you prefer a more robust sensation when typing, while the Twilight might appeal if you favor snappier actuation with less travel. Therefore, the Cream Pink is the longer switch, whereas the Twilight is the shorter one, which may lead to a different tactile experience based on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Twilight linear switches, the Cream Pink's sound characteristics are not defined, which means we can't pinpoint its specific auditory qualities. In contrast, the Twilight switch is noted for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, leading to a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the signature clacky sound typical of HMX switches. This extended travel distance may contribute to a more subdued auditory feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter environment.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Pink switch lacks a provided description, leaving its tactile and actuation experience unknown. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight is recognized for its smooth linear action, which enhances the overall typing experience with its longer travel distance. This characteristic can provide a slightly different sensation while typing compared to other linear switches, as it encourages a gentle glide without the interruptions of tactile bumps or clicky mechanisms.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Pink's subjective qualities remain unspecified, the HMX Twilight linear switch is characterized by its quieter sound and smooth feel due to its longer travel distance. If sound is a primary concern, the Cream Pink may offer an unknown experience, and those who prioritize smoother action may find themselves attracted to the Twilight. Overall, both switches can cater to distinct preferences, but the Twilight switch provides a clearer understanding of what to expect in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Twilight switches ultimately depends on your personal preference and intended use. If you prefer a more substantial feel and enjoy typing with a heavier switch, the Cream Pink, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, may be the right choice for you. Its tactile response is suited for those who like to feel each key press without bottoming out too quickly, therefore enhancing your typing experience, especially for more deliberate tasks such as programming or writing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a smoother keypress, the HMX Twilight, with its lighter 50-gram actuation force and extended 3.85mm travel distance, could prove to be more suitable. This switch is ideal for fast-paced gaming, as the lighter actuation allows for quicker key presses without fatigue. Additionally, if you seek a quieter experience without losing the clacky essence often associated with linear switches, the Twilight's redesigned sound profile caters to that need. Ultimately, consider the nature of your keyboard use, whether it's typing or gaming, and what sensations you prefer, to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and habits.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more