Outemu Red vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Outemu Red is often praised for its smooth keystrokes and light actuation force, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who prefer a responsive and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight stands out with its notable 3.85mm travel distance, allowing for a quieter keystroke while still retaining the signature clacky sound associated with HMX switches, making it suitable for users who enjoy both performance and a bit of auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific needs, whether you prioritize the lightweight responsiveness of the Outemu Red or the unique sound profile and travel distance of the HMX Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When it comes to the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the HMX Twilight switches, there are notable differences that impact both sound profile and tactile experience. The Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clear and resonant acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate used in the Outemu Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through vibrantly, while the Twilight's nylon may dampen the lighting effects somewhat.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, both constructed from nylon. This choice in material means that regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, the typing experience will share a similar characteristic. The nylon bottom housing in both switches creates that deeper and fuller sound profile that many users appreciate. In this sense, while the tops contribute differently to the sound profile during key release, both switches will deliver a similar tactile feel upon bottoming out because of the shared soft plastic bottom housing. This ensures that the typing experience remains consistent in that aspect, thus enabling those who prefer a rounded sound to enjoy either option.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Outemu Red and the HMX Twilight switches highlights a balance between sound characteristics and user preferences. While the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Red allows for a more vibrant and resonant experience, the nylon top of the Twilight tempers those highs for a fuller sound. However, the shared nylon bottoms ensure that the overall impact of bottoming out remains true to a softer, absorbing feel, regardless of the material differences above. Users can expect some distinctions in sound and feel based on their choice of housing materials, but they will find a satisfying experience mirrored in the bottom housings of both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their respective characteristics. The Outemu Red switch features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Twilight switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, offering a lighter typing experience that may be more comfortable for prolonged use, such as in long gaming sessions or at work. For users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the heavier Outemu Red switch may be more appealing due to its increased resistance. Overall, if lighter switches are preferable, the HMX Twilight is the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might gravitate toward the Outemu Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures 3.85 mm. This makes the Outemu Red the longer option by a slight margin, providing a more traditional feel that can enhance typing depth. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who favor quicker actuation and faster response times, aligning with contemporary preferences for responsiveness. Ultimately, if you're seeking a deeper keystroke for a more tactile experience, the Outemu Red might be the better choice, whereas the HMX Twilight is ideal for those prioritizing speed and efficiency in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red switch is generally noted for its smooth and quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound profile while still preserving the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. This means that while both switches are designed to offer a less disruptive typing experience compared to tactile or clicky alternatives, the Twilight may have a touch more acoustic presence that resonates with enthusiasts.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Red switch is recognized for its linear characteristics, providing a smooth travel without any tactile bump or audible click. This results in a very fluid typing experience, favored by gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. The HMX Twilight, on the other hand, also boasts a linear feel but offers the unique aspect of a longer travel distance, which can create a distinct sensation throughout the keypress. This can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more extended feedback during each keystroke while remaining linear at its core.

In summary, both switches cater to users looking for linear responses with differing sound profiles and travel distances. The Outemu Red excels in providing a serene, quiet typing experience, while the HMX Twilight offers a blend of a smooth feel with a slightly more pronounced sound signature, characterized by its longer travel. Ultimately, both options deliver smooth, linear performance, making it easy for newcomers to choose based on their noise sensitivity and typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's important to consider your specific typing preferences and gaming needs. If you prefer a slightly firmer keypress with a bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Outemu Red may better suit your typing. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback during their keystrokes, making it a solid option for both typing and gaming when you want to prevent accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you favor a light and smoother feel, the HMX Twilight with its 50 grams bottom-out force is likely the better choice for you. With an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, it offers a quiet yet responsive experience, perfect for late-night gaming sessions or quiet office environments. Moreover, the Twilight’s unique sound profile, which retains a clacky characteristic while maintaining a muted sound, may appeal to you if you're looking for a switch with character without the noise. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you prioritize a firmer, more feedback-oriented experience or a lighter, smoother feel with a whisper-soft sound.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more