Outemu Gold vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come into consideration are the Outemu Gold and the HMX Twilight. The Outemu Gold, characterized as a clicky switch, is favored by typists and gamers alike for its tactile feedback and satisfying auditory response, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight stands out as a linear switch, best known for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a smoother and slightly quieter typing experience while maintaining the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. While the Outemu Gold caters to users who appreciate tactile and auditory cues, the HMX Twilight is ideal for those who prefer a more fluid keystroke without the distraction of clicking sounds. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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 housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the HMX Twilight switches, notable differences arise in the top housing composition. The Outemu Gold switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the clear material allows for light to diffuse evenly, enhancing the overall experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing that is softer and more sound-absorbent, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While nylon is a classic material in switch design, its ability to produce a duller sound indicates a significant departure from the auditory experience offered by the polycarbonate of the Gold switch.
Both switches share the same bottom housing material—nylon—which plays a pivotal role in influencing the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Gold and HMX Twilight emphasizes deeper sounds, providing a rounder auditory feedback that is often preferred by users who favor a softer typing experience. Since the bottom housing has a more substantial impact on the bottom-out feel and sound when the switch is pressed down, both switches will provide a reliably similar experience in this aspect. This means that even though the top housings differ greatly in their contributions to sound, the shared nylon bottom housing maintains a consistent foundation of sound profile across both switches.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Gold and HMX Twilight switches present contrasting sound qualities due to their differing top housing materials, their nylon bottoms ensure a common experience when it comes to the deeper, fuller sound that typists often crave. This combination of a stiff polycarbonate top in the Gold switch for clear auditory feedback and a soft nylon top in the Twilight switch for a more rounded sound leads to a diverse range of experiences that cater to individual preferences. The result is a unique yet complementary interaction between the top and bottom housings—where the distinct sounds blend into a cohesive typing experience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both housing types depending on their needs.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force are notable. The Outemu Gold features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance that provides a 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, offering an overall lighter feel. This makes the Twilight more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. Therefore, for users seeking a heavier and more tactile experience, the Outemu Gold would be the preferred choice. Conversely, those looking for ease and comfort over long durations might favor the HMX Twilight switch due to its lighter forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Outemu Gold offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This makes the Outemu Gold the longer option, providing a deeper press that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Twilight may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you value a more substantial feel to your keypress, the Outemu Gold is the better choice, whereas the HMX Twilight would be ideal for those who favor a snappier and more immediate 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 Gold 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 considering the sound characteristics, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have specific sound qualities mentioned, making it somewhat challenging to provide a definitive comparison in this regard. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its slightly quieter sound profile, primarily due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While linear switches are typically known for their smoother operation and reduced noise, the Twilight manages to maintain a nuanced sound signature reminiscent of HMX switches, though it leans towards a quieter output compared to clicky counterparts. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by keycap material and board construction, so personal setup choices will ultimately affect the auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a clear description of its tactile feedback, leaving an information gap for potential users. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch is recognized for its smooth and consistent actuation. The absence of tactile bumps means the Twilight offers uninterrupted keystrokes, catering to those who prefer a fluid typing experience without the distraction of clicky feedback. This distinction in feel caters to different preferences among typists, highlighting how personal choice will heavily influence which switch is more suitable.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch leaves much to be desired in its descriptions of sound and feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a quieter and smooth typing experience with its notable travel distance. Each switch appeals to different typing preferences, with the Outemu Gold catering to those seeking a tactile and potentially louder experience, while the Twilight is ideal for users who appreciate a quieter, linear action. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on your typing style and the overall experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile and medium-pressure experience, where each keypress not only gives you auditory feedback but also a noticeable click, then the Gold switch could be an excellent choice for you. This switch, with its 60-gram bottom out force, adds a satisfying resistance that can help prevent accidental keystrokes during typing or gaming. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with less actuation force, the HMX Twilight switch might be more suited to your needs. With a lighter 50-gram bottom out force and an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, the Twilight allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing where noise levels are a concern. In conclusion, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a rewarding clicking sound and feel (Outemu Gold) or a more subdued, linear response that still provides good tactile performance (HMX Twilight).
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