Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the differences between the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Twilight highlight the diverse preferences of users. The Outemu Milk Blue is designed as a clicky switch, providing audible feedback that many typists find satisfying and energizing, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight is a linear switch, known for its smooth actuation and extended 3.85mm travel distance, which lends itself to a quieter typing experience while still delivering the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. While the Milk Blue appeals to those who enjoy the nostalgic sound of typing, the Twilight caters to users seeking a more subdued yet smooth keystroke. 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 Milk Blue and HMX Twilight utilize different top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles during use. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic leads to a more resonant sound profile during typing, particularly noticeable when releasing keys. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially for those who use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through vividly. In contrast, the HMX Twilight incorporates a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. The difference in materials means that while both switches can be enjoyable to type on, the auditory experience will vary greatly, with the Milk Blue offering a crisper sound and the Twilight delivering a warmer, rounder tone.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, a different pattern emerges. Both the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Twilight sport nylon bottom housings, which contribute similarly to the typing experience. Nylon is a classic switch material that creates a deeper sound profile, thanks to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, both the Milk Blue and Twilight will provide a satisfying and muted bottom-out feel, similar in delivery but influenced by the distinct sound environment created by their respective top housings. With both switches having nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a comparable depth and fullness in the sound when the keys are pressed down.
Ultimately, the unique combination of top and bottom housings in the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Twilight leads to distinct yet complementary typing experiences. While the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top provides a sharper sound when the keys are released, its nylon bottom balances the overall profile with a deeper tone. The Twilight's entirely nylon structure yields a nuanced, rich auditory experience. If users seek a more articulated sound when releasing the keys, the Milk Blue would be preferable, but for those who appreciate a rounded and full typing experience, the Twilight may serve their needs better. By embracing the strengths of each material, users can enjoy different tactile and auditory sensations in a mechanical keyboard setting, depending on their preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces, with the Milk Blue requiring 50 grams to register a keystroke, while the Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Twilight a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Twilight’s is specified at 50 grams, indicating that it has a defined force required to press the switch fully down. However, information regarding the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unavailable, so we cannot directly compare this aspect between the two switches. Overall, for users favoring a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, the Outemu Milk Blue may be the preferred choice, while those seeking ease and comfort during prolonged use are likely to gravitate towards the HMX Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, one can see a clear distinction. The Outemu Milk Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference of 0.15 mm may seem minor, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. Switches with longer travel distances like the Milk Blue offer a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight's shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm aligns with the current trend towards quicker response times, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking speed. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying tactile feel, those who prioritize a deeper actuation will lean towards the Milk Blue, whereas those favoring responsiveness might opt for the Twilight.
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 Milk 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 Milk Blue clicky switch typically delivers a distinct and sharp auditory feedback that many users find satisfying when typing. This clicky sound enhances the overall typing experience for those who enjoy auditory confirmation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while designed for a quieter experience, still retains some of the clack that HMX switches are known for. With its extended 3.85mm travel distance, the Twilight switch provides a subtler sound profile, appealing to users who prefer to minimize the noise level without sacrificing some acoustic engagement. It's important to remember that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When discussing feel, the Milk Blue switch is characterized by a tactile bump that provides a noticeable resistance at the actuation point, making it ideal for typists who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and speed for those who prefer a more pronounced feeling when pressing keys. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed to offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. This feature creates a fluid typing experience, which is preferred by gamers and those who value rapid key presses without interruptions. The contrast in the feel of these switches makes them suitable for different typing styles and preferences.
In summary, both the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Twilight switches offer unique qualities that cater to distinct user preferences. The Milk Blue emphasizes sharp clicky sounds and tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more interactive experience. Meanwhile, the Twilight offers a quieter operation with a smooth keystroke feel, suitable for users looking for speed and fluidity. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on what attributes resonate most with your typing style and desired keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing or gaming, the Milk Blue switch would be an excellent choice. Its clicky nature provides satisfying auditory cues for each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who appreciate the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard for both work and casual use. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience, the HMX Twilight switch might be more suitable. With its linear action and 50-gram actuation force, it offers a straightforward, uninterrupted key press that is ideal for rapid gaming or long typing sessions without the distraction of clicky noises. Additionally, if you prioritize travel distance, the Twilight’s extended 3.85mm travel can enhance your overall typing experience by providing a more leisurely keypress. In essence, choose the Milk Blue for that nostalgic mechanical experience, and opt for the Twilight for a modern, fluid typing feel without the extra sound.
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