TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be overwhelming, especially when comparing models like the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Twilight. The Silent Bluish White (V2) excels with its medium tactile feel, providing satisfying resistance that enhances typing precision while remaining remarkably quiet—ideal for use in office or shared living environments. Its unique categorization of buttery and subdued qualities ensures that it delivers a pleasant and polished typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a distinct advantage with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only ensures a smooth linear action but also incorporates a slightly quieter operation compared to traditional clacky switches, making it a solid choice for gamers and writers who prefer an uninterrupted typing session. Each switch has its own strengths: the Silent Bluish White (V2) caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback in a quiet setting, while the Twilight appeals to users who prioritize a seamless linear feel. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and HMX Twilight switches both offer distinct sound profiles largely shaped by their housing materials, which signifies a notable divergence in their acoustic characteristics. The Silent Bluish White (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, enhancing clarity and resonance. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enables a crisp sound profile, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting as its translucency shows off the lights effectively. In contrast, the HMX Twilight uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and rounder acoustic experience. Therefore, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) creates a brighter, more transparent soundstage, the HMX Twilight embodies a richness and warmth in sound.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Twilight incorporate nylon, which plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it effectively dampens noise due to its softer composition. This commonality means that both switches share a similar foundation in noise absorption and sound production when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. While the sound profiles of the two switches differ primarily because of the materials used in their top housings, the nylon bottom housings ensure a comparable quality in how the switches feel and sound upon actuation.
Ultimately, the combination of differently engineered materials in the Silent Bluish White (V2) and HMX Twilight switches results in distinctive typing experiences while still offering some overlap. The polycarbonate top of the Silent Bluish White (V2) contributes to its more pronounced sound, especially in the release phase of each keystroke, whereas the nylon top of the HMX Twilight dampens sound to create a more subdued response. Nevertheless, their nylon bottom housings guarantee that both switches maintain a fuller, rounded sound upon bottoming out. Thus, users can expect a unique yet relatable experience across both switch models, influenced by the blend of stiffer and softer plastics and how they interact during use.
Weight
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both exhibit an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them equal in terms of these specific metrics. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding the force required to activate a key and to press it all the way down. Both switches are generally considered light, which can be advantageous for those who prefer greater comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. As a result, users looking for a lighter feel in their switches can confidently choose either the Silent Bluish White or the Twilight, knowing they will achieve similar performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the differences become clear. The Silent Bluish White (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, might be more appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as those favoring responsiveness may lean towards the shorter 3.5 mm distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2), while those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the Twilight's greater travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in providing a muted typing experience, designed to minimize the characteristic noise typically associated with mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where a quieter operation is essential. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while not explicitly described in terms of sound, is noted for its extended 3.85mm travel distance which contributes to a slightly quieter typing experience than many traditional linear switches, yet it retains the signature clacky characteristics of HMX switches. This suggests that while the Twilight may not be as quiet as the Silent Bluish White (V2), it offers a balance between sound and the typical linear switch clarity.
When considering feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) showcases a medium tactile experience with descriptors such as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a satisfying level of resistance for comfortable typing. The tactile feedback is present but not overwhelming, allowing for a smooth and refined keystroke. In contrast, the specific feel characteristics of the HMX Twilight switch are not provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, as a linear switch, it's likely to offer a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump found in the Silent Bluish White (V2). This means that while both switches aim for a pleasant typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is ideal for users who prioritize a quiet, tactile typing experience with a polished feel, making it perfect for shared environments. This switch's muted sound and varied tactile descriptors provide a well-rounded profile. Meanwhile, while the HMX Twilight linear switch may not be as quiet, its slightly clacky nature paired with an extended travel distance might cater more to those who prefer a smoother keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's specific needs regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both are crafted to provide satisfactory typing experiences in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a tactile feedback that offers a comfortable and precise typing experience while being mindful of noise levels, then the Silent Bluish White (V2) is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile and buttery, polished feel make it ideal for shared spaces or office settings where quietness is essential. The subtle, mild tactility allows for a gentle typing experience that won't be jarring to those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke with a bit more travel distance, then the HMX Twilight linear switch may be more appealing. While it maintains a light bottom-out force, it provides that satisfying clacky sensation, albeit at a quieter volume than traditional linear switches. Ultimately, you should select the Silent Bluish White if you value noise reduction and tactile feedback, while the Twilight switch should be your go-to if you prefer a linear feel with a touch more travel and responsiveness.
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