KTT Purple Star vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Purple Star and HMX Twilight each offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Purple Star, renowned for its all-POM construction, provides a buttery smooth typing experience accompanied by a neutral sound profile. With a light 45g bottom-out force, it’s ideal for light typists seeking comfort and ease. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch boasts an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which enhances its slightly quieter keystrokes without sacrificing the signature clacky feel characteristic of HMX switches. While the Purple Star may appeal to those who prioritize an effortless and subdued typing experience, the Twilight might attract users who enjoy a bit more feedback and travel in their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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 KTT Purple Star and HMX Twilight switches showcase unique sound profiles largely determined by their housing materials, which are essential to their performance. The Purple Star's housing is composed of POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for creating a distinct sound that is deeper and more muted. This effect is reinforced by both the top and bottom housing being crafted from POM, providing a unified audio experience that highlights a pleasant and cohesive sound when typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a traditional material recognized for its softer nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience that is inherently different from the somewhat sharper sound of POM.
While both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable sound profile, their differing materials imply variations in acoustic characteristics. The Purple Star's POM construction tends to yield a crisper note, which may appeal to users who prefer clarity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Twilight's nylon build offers a warmer feel, with its ability to create a duller and rounder sound being particularly favorable for those who enjoy a more muffled auditory feedback. This aspect makes the Twilight more suitable for environments where noise reduction is key or for individuals valuing a more subdued typing experience.
Despite their contrasting materials, the ultimate typing experience may achieve overlapping qualities due to how each housing influences the switch's performance. With the Purple Star's bottom housing molding the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the release sound, the layered construction helps maintain a coherent character in each switch. Similarly, for the HMX Twilight, the split characteristics of the nylon top and bottom work towards achieving a comprehensive, rich sound impact. Thus, for users prioritizing a deep sound, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit through different material properties and sound absorption capabilities.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and HMX Twilight linear switches, both exhibit remarkably similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Twilight features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches share a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that neither switch is particularly heavy, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming periods. The slight difference in actuation force results in the HMX Twilight being the lighter option overall, but both switches generally provide a comparable experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. Those seeking a heavier tactile experience may want to explore other switch options, as both of these falls into the category of lighter linear switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The KTT Purple Star features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Purple Star the shorter of the two, which may provide a quicker response time for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Conversely, the Twilight's 3.85 mm distance offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Twilight would be the better choice; whereas, if you prioritize speed, the Purple Star is more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for switch characteristics will guide your decision between these two options.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
The KTT Purple Star linear switch boasts a low-pitched sound characterized by a mellow, bass-heavy tone that creates a subtle auditory experience during typing. This neutral sound signature allows for a more pleasant environment, especially for those who prefer less intrusive auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, while specifics on the Twilight's sound are not provided, it is noted that it maintains signature clacky characteristics yet offers a slightly quieter sound profile due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. Ultimately, the Purple Star lends itself to a softer sound, while the Twilight may resonate more with those who appreciate a distinct sound, albeit still relatively muted.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Star switches stand out for their mild nature, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience that lacks harshness. Their construction allows for effortless typing with minimal resistance, making them particularly desirable for light typists or individuals who may be prone to finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While no specific descriptions are provided for the feel of the HMX Twilight, its extended travel distance may suggest a unique pressing experience that could lean towards a more pronounced actuation—however, this remains to be determined based on personal preference.
In summary, the KTT Purple Star and HMX Twilight linear switches present differing profiles that cater to various typing preferences. The Purple Star's low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel create a gentle typing experience suited for comfort, while the Twilight may appeal to those who enjoy a quieter yet still engaging experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Purple Star for its buttery smoothness or the Twilight for its subtlety, each switch promises unique benefits that can enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Purple Star and the HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a buttery smooth typing experience with a gentle, mild feedback, the Purple Star is an excellent choice, particularly if you find yourself typing for long periods. Its low-pitched sound and light actuation force make it ideal for those looking for a comfortable switch that minimizes finger fatigue while still delivering a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly longer travel distance and appreciate a switch that maintains some clackiness while being on the quieter side, the HMX Twilight might suit you better. Its extended travel can provide a satisfying tactile feedback for users who want a blend of smoothness and a bit more engagement in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches feature a light bottom-out force, but your decision should align with whether you prioritize a mellow sound and feel or a bit more character in the typing experience.
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