Durock Piano vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and HMX Twilight are two impressive linear options that stand out in their own unique ways. The Durock Piano switches are revered for their proprietary material blend, which contributes to a distinctive gliding push feel combined with a deep and creamy acoustic signature, making them a pleasure to type on for extended periods. They are characterized by their bassy, frictionless, and silky characteristics, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switches are notable for their longer 3.85mm travel distance, which not only results in a quieter typing experience but also retains the clacky essence that HMX switches are known for. While the Piano excels in delivering an acoustic richness and smoothness, the Twilight emphasizes a more subdued yet responsive feel with a touch of nostalgia. Both switches have their merits, appealing to different preferences in typing style and sound profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and HMX Twilight switches both feature housing materials that contribute significantly to their sound profiles; however, they employ different compositions for their top and bottom housings. The Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housing, which is noted for providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While specific details about the POM blend remain undisclosed, it can be inferred that its characteristics align closely with that of nylon, which is employed in the Twilight's housing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer quality that absorbs sound and contributes to a duller, rounder sound. While the Piano's material is proprietary, it emphasizes a sound output that parallels the fuller auditory experience created by the Twilight's nylon.
Both the Piano and Twilight switches thus create a rich and profound sound when in use, though they do so through differing materials. The Durock Piano switches harness the unique qualities of their POM blend to facilitate a satisfying experience that may approach the qualities of sound produced by the nylon used in the Twilight. Both materials—while different—function similarly in terms of absorption and tactile response, positioning them to achieve comparable auditory results. Because the sound profiles from both switches rely on their housing properties, users can expect a deep sound whether using the Piano's proprietary POM blends or Twilight's reliable nylon.
The interaction between top and bottom housing in both switches further enhances the sound experience. The Durock Piano's top housing will shape the sound upon key release, while its bottom housing accounts for the bottom-out sound and feel. In parallel, the Twilight switch, with its nylon material for both top and bottom housings, similarly allows the characteristics to merge between the two parts. Consequently, even with distinct materials, the overall auditory experience remains deeply satisfying for users, driving home the point that both switch types can deliver compelling results—even amid different manufacturing decisions.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Piano has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the HMX Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight is the lighter option overall, potentially providing a more effortless typing experience that is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Piano may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Although the actuation force of the Piano is unknown, the stark difference in their bottom out forces indicates that users will likely experience a softer sensation with the Twilight compared to the more resistant feel of the Piano.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that the Piano offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Twilight features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference might seem minimal, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The longer travel distance of the Durock Piano allows for a more substantial key press, which some users may find provides a satisfying depth while typing. Conversely, the HMX Twilight's shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel, aligning with the preferences of many gamers. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preference: if you enjoy a deeper, more deliberate key press, the Durock Piano is the better choice, while the HMX Twilight is ideal for those seeking a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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 Durock Piano linear switches make quite an impression with their deep, creamy signature that induces a pleasant auditory experience during typing. Their bassy quality provides a richer sound profile characterized by lower frequency tones, making each keystroke feel substantial and satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, although specifics about its sound profile are less defined. Since both sound characteristics can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices used, users may find that the Pianos offer a more pronounced acoustic presence, while the Twilights provide a more subdued typing sound, yet still embody the essence of HMX's clacky nature.
Regarding feel, the Durock Piano switches shine with their frictionless and silky nature, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience. These attributes minimize resistance during both key presses and releases, resulting in a fluid action that many typists appreciate. The HMX Twilight switches do not have specific descriptors available for their feel, but one can anticipate a linear experience that might not stray too far from the comfortable typing sensation typical of linear switches. This means that while the Pianos stand out for their exceptionally smooth typing action, the Twilights could still be quite enjoyable for those who prefer a linear switch.
In conclusion, while the Durock Piano linear switches are celebrated for their rich, bassy sound and frictionless, silky feel, the HMX Twilight linear switches bring a quieter typing experience with an extended travel distance, although their specific sound and feel characteristics remain less detailed. For those seeking a smooth typing experience, both switches will generally provide satisfying results, albeit with different auditory profiles. The Piano’s pronounced bass and smoothness highlight its premium nature, whereas the Twilight caters to users who appreciate a quieter yet still engaging linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your decision should be guided by your personal typing preferences and the specific tactile experience you’re looking for. If you favor a typing experience that combines a heavier switch feel with a rich, bassy sound, the Durock Piano is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams ensures a satisfying resistance, complemented by a frictionless and silky smooth travel that can make long typing sessions feel effortless and enjoyable. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback while typing or gaming and those who desire a deep, pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter switch with a more subdued sound profile, the HMX Twilight linear switch, with its 50 grams of actuation force and extended 3.85mm travel distance, would be the better option for you. The Twilight delivers a smooth keystroke that minimizes noise while still retaining some of the clacky personality of HMX switches, making it ideal for those who type rapidly or work in quieter environments. In essence, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a rich auditory experience and feedback (Durock Piano) or a lighter, quieter feel for speedy, discreet typing (HMX Twilight).
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