Outemu Silent White vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Twilight, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Silent White is designed to provide a smooth typing experience with its absence of distinctive sound feedback, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter workspace or a stealthy gaming experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only allows for a slightly quieter operation but also retains the clacky characteristics that many gamers and typists adore in HMX switches. Both switches cater to users looking for fluid keystrokes, yet they each bring unique qualities to the table—whether it's the Silent White’s stealthy silence or the Twilight’s extra travel for tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Silent White and HMX Twilight keyboard switches, the most pronounced difference lies in their top housing materials. The Silent White's polycarbonate top housing is engineered to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's characteristic stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an optimal choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The nylon’s softer texture absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference indicates that the user experience between the two switches will vary greatly in terms of acoustic feedback due to the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a notable similarity, as both the Silent White and Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is celebrated as a classic switch housing material, and this consistency in the bottom housing across both models helps to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows for better sound absorption, which contributes to the switches' bottom-out sound and feel. This means that, while the top housing materials create divergent sound profiles upon actuation, the bottom housing remains uniform, ensuring that both switches share a certain level of acoustic richness when bottomed out.
In summary, the Outemu Silent White and HMX Twilight offer a unique experience shaped by their respective top housing materials while maintaining some commonality in their bottom housings. The Silent White's polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound, perfect for users who prefer more pronounced auditory feedback, especially in setups with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Twilight's nylon top presents a more muted tone, catering to those who appreciate a softer and more rounded sound. Ultimately, both switches can create satisfying auditory experiences; however, the contrasting top housings play a pivotal role in defining each switch's character. The nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying element, ensuring that deeper sounds resonate similarly, regardless of the top housing's differences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Silent White requires an actuation force of 45 grams, accompanied by a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Twilight switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Twilight switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions without excessive strain. Conversely, the Silent White, being heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a firmer push feel. Overall, while the different forces reflect the switches' characteristics, both can deliver satisfying performance based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent White features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Silent White switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for their faster response times. Conversely, the Twilight, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more traditional and hearty typing experience, which could appeal to those who favor deeper keystrokes over the quick response offered by shorter switches. Ultimately, those looking for similar results in terms of responsiveness should consider the Silent White due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Twilight caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress.
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 White 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, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is characterized by its dampened acoustics, which makes it notably quieter compared to many other linear switches, ideal for a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, giving it a slightly quieter operation while still preserving the beloved clacky sound that HMX switches are known for. Both switches, while aiming for a more muted auditory experience, can still depend heavily on the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps, so users should consider these variables when assessing sound quality.
Regarding feel, the Silent White switch may lack distinctive tactile feedback, offering a smooth and linear experience that many users prefer for rapid typing without interruption. The HMX Twilight, on the other hand, delivers a delightful linear feel with a unique extended travel distance that can enhance the sensation of bottoming out, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Although both switches focus on that linear quality, the Twilight's longer travel could lend itself to a more pronounced feel depending on individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent White and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to users seeking a quieter typing experience with their unique offerings. While the Silent White excels in producing a more muted sound profile, the Twilight balances a quieter operation with its signature clacky character and extended travel. When it comes to feel, the Silent White provides a purely smooth experience, while the Twilight's extended travel caters to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke sensation. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on your specific typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Twilight linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a medium actuation force with a more subdued sound profile, the Silent White might be your ideal pick. It offers a balanced key feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you value some level of noise control in quieter environments. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter key feel and enjoy a longer travel distance while maintaining a distinctly clacky sound, the HMX Twilight would be a great choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, making it a fantastic option for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, assess the atmosphere you’ll be using your keyboard in alongside your tactile preferences, and you’ll find which switch aligns best with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
