TTC Silent Brown vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Silent Brown switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback, presenting a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance, complemented by a satisfying rounded tactile bump. This, coupled with its muted sound profile, makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a buttery, polished feel while minimizing noise—a significant advantage in shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, known as a linear switch, features a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter operation while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. While the Twilight appeals to users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Silent Brown caters to those who favor tactile feedback and reduced sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown and HMX Twilight switches utilize differing materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing that provides a deeper, fuller sound. This difference arises because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. Therefore, while The Silent Brown is likely to resonate with a crisper character when pressed, the Twilight will emit sound waves that feel more subdued and rounded due to its softer, sound-absorbing material.
Conversely, both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a notable similarity in their overall performance. Since both housings are made from nylon, they elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of their top portions. This means that while the top housing material distinctly shapes their individual sounds, the bottom housing unifies them in terms of how they feel when bottomed out. As a result, both switches convey a certain level of warmth and thickness in the auditory experience upon keypress, driven by the nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively.
Overall, the contrasting materials used in the TTC Silent Brown and HMX Twilight's top housings create defining characteristics in their sound profiles, while their common nylon bottom housings impart similar qualities during typing sessions. The sharpness of the Silent Brown can appeal to users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback when releasing a key, while the Twilight may better suit those seeking a more subdued, full-bodied sound. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal sound preferences and desired typing sensations, highlighting the impact that housing materials have on keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, significant variations in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Silent Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Twilight switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight switch is not only easier to press down but also requires less force to bottom out, offering a lighter typing experience that may be favored for prolonged use in work environments or during extensive gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Silent Brown switch provides a more substantial feel due to its higher force requirements, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push sensation while typing. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch will find the HMX Twilight more suitable, while those who appreciate a firmer, more robust typing experience may lean towards the TTC Silent Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Twilight offers a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. The difference of 0.05 mm, although small, may influence user preference based on their typing or gaming style. Those who favor responsiveness and quicker actuation might lean toward the Silent Brown due to its shorter distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, players or typists who appreciate a more substantial feedback and depth in their keystrokes might prefer the HMX Twilight switch for its longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between these two switches reflects a balance between speed and tactile satisfaction.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch shines with its muted profile, allowing users to enjoy a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch produces a quieter sound as well, though it maintains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This means the Twilight might still carry a bit more auditory presence than the Silent Brown, particularly during fast typing, but overall, both switches can provide a more subdued sound compared to more traditional switches.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown delivers a wonderfully rounded tactile bump with a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Users can expect a seamless and fluid keystroke with a balance that makes these switches widely approachable, even for those new to mechanical keyboards. Unfortunately, specific feel characteristics for the HMX Twilight linear switch are not detailed, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, linear switches typically emphasize smoothness without a tactile bump, which may result in a different typing experience altogether.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Twilight can offer a more restrained sound profile compared to standard mechanical switches, with the Silent Brown being distinctly muted. The tactile feedback and overall feel of the Silent Brown are designed for comfort and smoothness, boasting rich descriptive qualities. While the exact feel of the Twilight is unknown, its linear nature suggests a different typing style. Ultimately, both switches cater to those seeking a quieter, yet enjoyable typing experience, though the TTC Silent Brown excels in tactile feedback, making it a great option for new users exploring mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile, particularly in office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern, the Silent Brown switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams provides a rewarding resistance that many typists find comfortable, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lightweight typing experience with a more extended travel distance and a smoother keystroke, the HMX Twilight switch might suit you better. With a lower actuation force of 50 grams, it allows for swift and effortless key presses, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. In essence, both switches excel in different contexts: choose the TTC Silent Brown for a more tactile and muted experience, and opt for the HMX Twilight for a quicker, linear feel that still maintains a degree of quietness.
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