Outemu Silent Green vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Twilight offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, is designed for a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who work in shared spaces where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features a linear design alongside an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, providing a distinct balance of responsiveness and a slightly quieter sound while still retaining the beloved clacky qualities that HMX switches are known for. With each switch offering its distinctive advantages—be it the muted operation of the Silent Green for a more discreet typing experience or the balanced actuation of the Twilight for those who appreciate tactile feedback—choosing the right switch depends on the user's specific needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Green and HMX Twilight mechanical switches incorporate distinct housing materials that significantly impact their auditory and tactile experiences. The Silent Green features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity, allowing for a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature not only enhances the resonance but also makes it advantageous for RGB lighting configurations, as its translucency allows light to pass through effectively, creating vibrant illumination.
In contrast, the HMX Twilight utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality means that when typing on the Twilight switches, users can expect a sound that feels more rounded and less harsh than polycarbonate counterparts. The nylon material absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience while also impacting the feel of each keystroke. The inherent differences in sound absorption and resonance between these two materials create markedly different typing experiences.
While both switches feature different housing materials, the effect of each housing on sound can be felt distinctly. The Silent Green's polycarbonate housings will provide a brighter tone during release, while the nylon used in the Twilight will generate a smoother, more muted reverb. However, if we consider the bottom-out sounds, the impact will vary based on the materials utilized; users of the Silent Green will experience a sharper bottom-out sound, while the HMX Twilight users will enjoy a fuller and more subdued feel during key presses. Ultimately, these differences create distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations, allowing users to choose a switch that aligns with their personal preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which can greatly influence user experience. The Silent Green switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that appeals to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers a lighter feel with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This may be more suitable for users looking for a switch that facilitates longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the Silent Green is the heavier option, providing a firmer push, while the Twilight is lighter, catering to those who prefer a more delicate touch. Users seeking a balance between typing comfort and feedback should carefully consider these force preferences when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that they differ in length. The Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional design for mechanical switches, providing users with a substantial depth that some may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference, although minimal, may appeal more to gamers who prefer a quicker response time, as shorter travel distances are often favored for their efficiency in fast-paced scenarios. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the HMX Twilight would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Silent Green would cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke with its longer travel distance.
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 Silent Green 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 comparing the auditory characteristics of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Silent Green stands out for its subdued acoustics, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments or those who prefer a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is known for its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound while still retaining the distinctive clacky nature that HMX switches are recognized for. This means that while the Silent Green leans heavily towards silence, the Twilight offers a balance between a quieter operation and the playful sounds of a traditional linear switch.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Silent Green's qualities are not specifically detailed, leaving it open to subjective interpretation based on user experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch is designed to provide a more pronounced and satisfying feel due to its extended travel distance, which can lead to a more immersive typing experience. This tactile feedback can be beneficial for those who enjoy a slightly more engaging feel without the auditory distraction of clicky or noisy switches.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different user preferences. The Outemu Silent Green is tailored for those who prioritize a quiet operation, while the HMX Twilight combines a quieter sound profile with added travel distance to enhance tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific needs for sound and feel, and you may find that they serve similar roles in different typing environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences, typing style, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a more tactile experience and are looking for a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Green may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you appreciate a quieter typing experience without sacrificing a bit of resistance. This can be particularly beneficial in shared environments or places where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter feel and are interested in the unique characteristics of the HMX Twilight switch, which offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, you might find it more engaging for both gaming and general typing. The Twilight's lower bottom-out force of 50 grams means less effort is required for each keystroke, resulting in faster, more fluid input, which could be especially advantageous if you spend long hours typing or gaming. In conclusion, assess your needs based on your typing habits and workspace requirements to make an informed choice that enhances your overall typing experience.
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