Jerrzi Poseidon vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Twilight each offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Poseidon is tailored for enthusiasts who prefer smooth key presses without tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for gaming where rapid key inputs are essential. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which not only provides a quieter typing experience but also retains the familiar clacky sound typical of HMX switches, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while they type. Both switches emphasize linearity, which gives them a soothing consistency as you run your fingers across the board. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to factors such as desired travel distance and sound profile. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Jerrzi Poseidon and HMX Twilight exhibit intriguing similarities and differences in their housing materials which ultimately influence their acoustic performance. Both switches feature a top housing made from different materials—POM for the Poseidon and nylon for the Twilight. While the Poseidon’s POM top housing is characterized by its ability to produce a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted, the Twilight’s nylon top housing offers a classic feel. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than the harder POM, leading to a fuller and more rounded sound experience. Although each material has its distinct properties, the deeper tones produced by both suggest that users may achieve comparable sound profiles when the switches are engaged, though the characteristics of how those sounds manifest may vary slightly due to the housing material differences.
When examining the bottom housings, the Jerrzi Poseidon maintains POM material, echoing the sound signature of its top housing and thereby reinforcing its distinct auditory qualities. In contrast, the HMX Twilight pairs its nylon top housing with a nylon bottom housing as well, presenting an entirely nylon experience. As highlighted, while POM’s harder structure produces a more muted sound, nylon’s softer composition allows for greater sound absorption, which creates a notably richer auditory sensation. This key difference suggests that the bottom housing’s impact on sound and feel can lead to differing experiences between the two switches, with the Poseidon likely providing a more pronounced bottom-out sound while the Twilight may feel rounder and less stark in its acoustic delivery.
Overall, the divergent materials used in both the top and bottom housings of the Jerrzi Poseidon and HMX Twilight illustrate how each design decision manifests in user experience. The Poseidon’s POM housings contribute to a distinctly muted yet deep sound profile, whereas the all-nylon structure of the Twilight presents a more traditional, rounded cosmic delight. Regardless of their differences, the inherent capabilities of both materials can lead to surprisingly similar auditory results under certain typographic conditions, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the unique character of each switch while still enjoying a fulfilling typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Poseidon has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press compared to the Twilight's actuation force of 42 grams, which provides a bit more resistance for those who prefer a firmer feel. However, the Poseidon lacks a specified bottom out force, while the Twilight features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a greater force to bottom out, offering users a more substantial feedback upon full key depression. While the Poseidon is the lighter switch overall thanks to its lower actuation force, the absence of the bottom out force information makes it difficult to make a direct comparison in that regard. Ultimately, users seeking a lightweight experience might prefer the Poseidon, while those desiring more tactile resistance may opt for the Twilight.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Poseidon is the shorter of the two, catering to gamers who often prefer the quicker response times associated with reduced travel distances. On the other hand, the Twilight's longer travel distance may be more appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, providing a deeper feel that some users find satisfying. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Poseidon would be the better choice, whereas the Twilight may suit those who favor a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch does not have a distinct reputation associated with it, making it difficult to characterize its auditory output. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound while still preserving the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This could imply that while the Twilight may provide a more subdued auditory experience compared to other clackier switches, it offers a pleasant blend of sound suited for a versatile typing environment. However, it's important to remember that the perceived sound of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Poseidon switch lacks specific descriptions, making it challenging to assess its tactile feedback or responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is recognized for its smooth and consistent actuation that typifies linear switches. This smoothness can create a satisfying typing experience, as there is no tactile bump or click to disrupt the keypress, allowing for rapid typing without hindrance. Without detailed information on the Poseidon’s feel, it’s unclear how it would compare to the Twilight, but users typically gravitate toward linear switches for their fluid motion.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch remains an unknown quantity regarding its sound and feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch stands out with its quieter sound profile, courtesy of its extended travel distance, and its notable smoothness in actuation. If you're looking for a linear switch experience that emphasizes a quieter sound and a fluid typing feel, the HMX Twilight is a solid option. However, the Poseidon may still hold potential for users open to exploration, though its characteristics remain to be discovered.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your choice should primarily be influenced by your preferences for travel distance, sound, and typing experience. If you desire a switch with a softer actuation and are looking for a unique and possibly more innovative typing feel, you might find the Poseidon appealing; however, since specific characteristics like bottom-out force and sound haven’t been detailed, it’s essential to consider that you may be opting into an uncertain experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight is a solid choice if you prefer a more tactile response with its 50-gram actuation force and its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which provides a satisfying sensation as you type. Moreover, the slightly quieter operation of the Twilight switch, combined with its clack-free sound profile, makes it suitable for both gaming and office environments where a quieter setup is desirable. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and audible feedback during your typing sessions, the HMX Twilight would likely serve you better, while the Poseidon could offer a thrill of trying something different if you enjoy experimentations with your keyboard.
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