Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Twilight present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, often favored by typists who appreciate the enhanced sensory interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is renowned for its smooth, consistent travel without the auditory distraction, thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, offering a quieter typing experience while retaining the clacky feel characteristic of HMX switches. While the Dustproof Blue may appeal to users seeking a lively, engaging typing experience, the Twilight is well-suited for gamers or professionals who prioritize smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. 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
65g
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 Dustproof Blue and the HMX Twilight feature distinct top housings that influence their respective sound profiles significantly. The Dustproof Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material enhances clarity and resonance, especially useful when using RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the HMX Twilight incorporates a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to nylon's softer nature. The absorption qualities of nylon diminish the sharpness typical of polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, the two switches diverge in their sound characteristics primarily due to the differing top housing materials; the Dustproof Blue leans toward brighter tones while the Twilight embodies a richer, more muted sound.
Both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Twilight share an identical nylon material in their bottom housings, which adds a layer of complexity to their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more noise than its polycarbonate counterpart. As these two switches share this bottom housing material, they achieve more similarity in the sound profile upon bottoming out—the sensation of the keypress is underscored by the same softer qualities of nylon. While the Dustproof Blue maintains a brighter sound at the top due to its polycarbonate material, the bottom housing ensures a shared, rounded feel that blends the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, the overall sound characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and HMX Twilight switches are shaped by the amalgamation of their top and bottom housing materials. The Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top results in a brighter, crisper sound that is further supported by the rich bottom end provided by its nylon counterpart. Alternatively, the Twilight relies solely on the softer characteristics of its nylon top housing, generating a rounder sound profile from keypress to release. Therefore, while there are clear contrasting elements in their top housings, the shared nylon in the bottom housing ensures a commonality in sound response at the base level during key presses, highlighting the critical role that material choice plays in switch design and user experience.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present a noticeable contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Blue requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch while typing or gaming. This fundamental difference in force affects the overall typing experience: those favoring the heavier feel of the Dustproof Blue may appreciate the substantial feedback it provides during use, while users who opt for the Twilight will likely enjoy longer typing sessions due to the reduced effort required. Ultimately, if one is seeking a lighter switch with less resistance, the HMX Twilight is the clear choice, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue caters to those who prefer a more tactile and robust experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the more traditional option that provides a hearty depth with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm, which aligns with the modern trend of gamers seeking faster response times from their switches. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, with the Dustproof Blue being 0.15 mm longer, it may still significantly impact the typing experience. Those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback might prefer the Outemu switch, whereas individuals looking for quicker responsiveness might gravitate toward the HMX Twilight. Thus, if you value a deeper feel in your keystrokes, the Dustproof Blue is the better choice, while the Twilight caters to those who appreciate a more nimble typing experience.
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 Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound characteristics, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch produces a distinct and pronounced sound profile, typically characterized by its sharp, clicky feedback during actuation. This gives a tactile auditory confirmation which many typists appreciate for its responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed to be quieter due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While it maintains the clacky essence associated with HMX switches, it tends to produce a subtle sound that is less intrusive than the Dustproof Blue. It's important to note that the overall sound experience will vary based on the keyboard design and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Blue switch offers a tactile bump at the actuation point, which provides a satisfying feedback that is preferred by those who enjoy the tactile sensation of each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists who thrive on that feedback for both typographical accuracy and personal enjoyment. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a smoother experience with no tactile bump, allowing for unimpeded key presses. The linear feel is appreciated by gamers and rapid typists who favor fast and fluid keystrokes without the interruption of tactile resistance.
In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Dustproof Blue excels in its audible feedback and tactile engagement, appealing to those who enjoy a distinct clicking sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Twilight offers a quieter, smoother keypress experience, making it suitable for those who prefer linear actuation without interruption. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, ensuring you find the right switch for your unique typing or gaming style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will greatly influence your decision. If you enjoy a tactile and satisfying click with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dustproof Blue is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate the auditory feedback that clicky switches provide. This switch is ideal for typists and gamers who want to feel a distinct response with every keystroke and are not overly concerned with noise levels. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, smoother experience with lighter keystrokes, the HMX Twilight linear switch will likely suit you better. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it less fatiguing for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the extended travel distance caters to those who enjoy a more fluid, uninterrupted typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, whether you value tactile sensation and sound or prioritize a smoother feel and less noise.
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