Akko Rosewood vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Twilight both stand out as impressive linear options, yet they cater to different preferences. The Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a smooth typing experience right out of the box. This makes them an excellent choice for users who prioritize acoustics and a tactile feel. In contrast, the HMX Twilight delivers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, providing a slightly quieter operation while still maintaining the clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. This switch may appeal to those who enjoy a consistent linear feel and want to reduce noise during longer sessions of typing or gaming. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences, catering to different user needs. 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
50g
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
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and the HMX Twilight both utilize nylon for their switch housings, which contributes to their acoustic and tactile qualities. With nylon being a classic material in keyboard switch design, both models benefit from its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users of both the Rosewood and Twilight will enjoy a similar auditory experience characterized by a more muted and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to consider that even though both the Rosewood and Twilight feature nylon in their housing, the impact of this material can vary based on the design of each switch. In cases where the top and bottom housings are identical, like in both the Rosewood and Twilight, the sound and feel remain consistent throughout the keypress. However, if there were any discrepancies in designs, one would need to account for the differences in how each housing contributes to the switch's performance—the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the release sound. In the case of the Akko models mentioned, the consistency in housing material ensures that they share closely related performances and characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Twilight may come down to personal preference regarding aesthetic design and brand loyalty, rather than significant differences in tactile feedback or sound profile. Since both models are equipped with nylon top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a similar feel and sound regardless of which keyboard they choose. Whether opting for the Rosewood or the Twilight, keyboard enthusiasts will find a comparable experience, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of nylon housing material in either case.
Weight
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of bottom out force, both capped at 50 grams. However, their actuation forces differ slightly, with the Rosewood requiring 40 grams to register a keystroke, making it the lighter option compared to the Twilight, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. This difference in actuation force may appeal to users seeking a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Twilight provides a bit more resistance, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches exhibit a relatively light profile, but the subtle variance in actuation force could influence user preference depending on their typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a travel distance of 3.85 mm. In this comparison, the Rosewood is the longer option, offering a deeper key press that may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Twilight's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm can provide quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking faster actuation. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the Rosewood aligns with traditional preferences for key travel depth, whereas the Twilight reflects a modern trend toward shorter distances for enhanced responsiveness. If you're looking for balance between response and depth, you might consider how each option aligns with your personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. This characteristic is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which helps to dampen noise further and creates a more pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly quieter sound profile attributed to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, while still showcasing the signature clacky characteristics typically associated with HMX switches. This means that while the Rosewood delivers a richer and more resonant sound, the Twilight leans toward a more muted, yet still enjoyable auditory feedback, making the acoustic experience of each switch distinct and dependent on usage conditions such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When considering the feel of these switches, users of the Akko Rosewood can expect a smooth linear experience, as the switch is designed for a frictionless actuation with no tactile bump or click. This provides a consistent keystroke from top to bottom, which can be particularly appealing for those who are looking for an uninterrupted typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a similarly smooth action, but the extended travel distance may affect how users perceive the keystroke’s engagement and bottoming out. While both switches aim to deliver a seamless feel, the subtleties in travel distance could create a different tactile sensation, appealing to different preferences among typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, both the Akko Rosewood and HMX Twilight linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Rosewood stands out for its deep thocky sound and excellent smoothness, while the Twilight offers a quieter yet clacky experience with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches deliver a high-quality linear experience, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing or gaming session. Depending on personal preference for sound and travel characteristics, individuals may find a suitable match with either switch, as they are designed to provide a rewarding experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you value a satisfying and pronounced auditory feedback combined with a deep, thocky sound profile, the Rosewood switch would be your ideal choice. Its ready-to-go lubrication enhances the tactile experience right out of the box, making it perfect for those who enjoy a solid and rich sound while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter operation with a longer travel distance, allowing for a unique and subtle acoustical feedback while still delivering a pleasant feel, the HMX Twilight switch may be more suitable for you. Its 3.85mm travel offers a distinct typing experience that balances comfort and performance, making it an excellent option for both casual use and extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the resonance of a thocky sound or the softer tones of a smoother linear switch.
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