KTT Rose vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Rose and HMX Twilight linear switches present compelling options for different typing experiences. The KTT Rose is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its unique performance, featuring progressive springs that provide a substantial yet not overly heavy typing sensation. The sound profile of the Rose is characterized by a warm, bassy quality reminiscent of raindrops, offering an inviting auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight is distinguished by its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which delivers a quieter sound while preserving the lively clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. This makes the Twilight an appealing choice for users seeking a balance of tactile feedback and noise management. Both switches have their unique allure—whether you prioritize the polished feel of the Rose or the extended travel of the Twilight, your choice will hinge on your personal preferences. 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
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
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
Progressive spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Rose and the HMX Twilight, it becomes evident that both switches employ distinctly different materials for their top housings, which affects their respective sound profiles. The KTT Rose features a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucence. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that amplifies the nuances of the switch when it is engaged. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic material known for producing a fuller and deeper sound. The nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder audio experience. The contrast in materials leads to significantly different auditory feedback, which can greatly influence user preference in typing experiences.
Both the KTT Rose and the HMX Twilight share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, leading to some similarities in the overall sound profile during key presses. Nylon's inherent properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, offering a consistent tactile feedback that is pleasing to most users. This similarity in bottom housing allows both switches to deliver a duller and rounder sound when the key bottoms out. Users can expect a comparable auditory experience from that aspect, as both switches eliminate the high-pitched nuances found in harder materials, focusing instead on a solid, understated response.
Ultimately, the varying materials of the top housings lead to the most pronounced differences between the two switches. With the KTT Rose’s polycarbonate construction enhancing clarity and brightness, while the HMX Twilight’s nylon top dampens sound for a rich, mellow tone, the final sound profile of each switch is a blend of both top and bottom housing characteristics. However, the commonality in their bottom housings ensures that users will still enjoy a consistent depth and fullness in sound across both switches, allowing for an engaging typing experience regardless of individual material choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Rose and HMX Twilight linear switches, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The KTT Rose has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of only 50 grams. This substantial difference means that the Twilight switch is overall lighter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, users who favor a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier Rose switch, despite the lack of information on its actuation force. The disparity in the bottom out forces also indicates that while both switches serve different preferences, the HMX Twilight provides a significantly softer keystroke and bottoming out experience compared to the KTT Rose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge. The KTT Rose features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional depth, providing a substantial tactile feedback that many users appreciate for a satisfying keypress. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes it the more responsive option, which can be particularly appealing for gamers who favor quicker actuation for enhanced performance. While the difference in travel distance may seem minor, it can impact the overall feel of the switch significantly; the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Rose offers a deeper experience, while the 3.85 mm distance of the Twilight may feel more abrupt for those who prefer a snappier response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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 sound profiles of the KTT Rose and HMX Twilight linear switches, the Rose provides a distinctly bassy sound reminiscent of raindrops, giving it a low-pitched, mellow tone. This makes the typing experience pleasant, as it offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Twilight maintains a quieter sound due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, yet it retains the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. While the Rose delivers a softer, more bass-driven auditory experience, the Twilight leans towards a muted but still engaging sound, showcasing how each switch brings its own distinct auditory qualities.
When considering the feel of both switches, the KTT Rose stands out with its mild and polished characteristics. This creates a gentle typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users, ensuring that the tactile feedback remains smooth and refined, thanks to its well-crafted finish and potential factory lubing. The design of the progressive springs also contributes to a typing experience that feels substantial without being overly heavy. However, there is no detailed information regarding the feel of the Twilight switch, leaving its tactile properties and overall experience somewhat uncertain.
In conclusion, while the KTT Rose and HMX Twilight linear switches differ in sound and have an established feel for the Rose, the lack of definitive qualities for the Twilight makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons. The Rose offers a mellow, rich auditory experience with a gentle and refined tactile feedback, while the Twilight provides a quieter sound profile with extended travel. Both switches cater to users looking for unique typing experiences but target slightly different preferences in sound. Ultimately, if you are looking for a smooth, pleasant experience, the KTT Rose is an excellent option, while the Twilight may be suitable for those preferring a quieter keypress with a touch of clackiness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a typing experience that is medium-heavy and enjoys a bassy, low-pitched sound, the KTT Rose switch would be an ideal choice. Its progressive spring mechanism provides a substantial yet smooth feel, making it a great option for those who appreciate a balanced, polished typing experience without being overly taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a longer travel distance, the HMX Twilight switch may be more suitable for you. With a lower actuation force and a quieter response, it's perfect for fast typists or those who want a slightly softer sound while retaining a satisfying clack. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the required feedback, and your sound preference when deciding between these two enticing options, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different user experiences.
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