KTT Strawberry vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Strawberry and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences while both fall under the linear category. The KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its sleek pink and clear housings, providing a visually appealing aesthetic that perfectly complements its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. Users often appreciate its low-pitched, frictionless, and buttery characteristics, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a polished typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, allowing for a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the clacky qualities that veteran users of HMX switches have come to expect. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear responses, the Strawberry shines in its overall smoothness and reliability, while the Twilight focuses on extended travel and subtle acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and HMX Twilight switches exhibit contrasting acoustic profiles due to the distinct properties of polycarbonate and nylon used in their construction. The Strawberry switch employs a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, clearer, and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects while also ensuring a crisp audio experience during typing. Conversely, the HMX Twilight incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing, which is a softer plastic known for absorbing sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference highlights how the choice of material can significantly shape the user experience in terms of both auditory feedback and aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, when considering the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switches, the design becomes a crucial factor. The KTT Strawberry’s consistent use of polycarbonate across both housings ensures a coherent sound signature, where the sharper qualities dominate during key releases. In contrast, the HMX Twilight's dual nylon housing results in a more rounded, subdued audio experience, particularly noticeable when typing, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound energy. This division in characteristics underscores the role of individual housing materials: the top housing influences the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile sensation during pressing.
Despite the differences in their sound profiles, both the KTT Strawberry and HMX Twilight can deliver engaging typing experiences, albeit in different ways. If the switches were to feature the same housing material, we would expect a similar auditory effect across both models, enhancing clarity or fullness depending on the material used. However, with mixed materials like in this comparison, the qualities of each housing influence the overall typing experience—making the KTT Strawberry ideal for users seeking heightened clarity and brightness, while the HMX Twilight suits those desiring a more muted and refined sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference for auditory characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Twilight linear switches, distinct differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Strawberry switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it moderately heavier. In contrast, the Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a notably lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are relatively close in actuation force, the Twilight switch provides a softer feel overall, as it bottoms out at a significantly lighter point. Users who favor a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heftier Strawberry switch, whereas those who type for long periods or need a more effortless key press might lean towards the Twilight. Overall, the Strawberry is the heavier option, while the Twilight is lighter, which influences the typing experience they provide.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it’s clear that the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This means that the KTT Strawberry provides a more substantial depth with each key press, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, may be more favorable for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate swifter actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance is likely the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional feel may prefer the Strawberry's 4 mm actuation.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Strawberry switch produces a low-pitched tone that gives it a bass-heavy and mellow quality. This characteristic often lends itself to a quieter and more subdued auditory experience during typing. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the HMX Twilight linear switch remain unknown, but its design suggests that it aims for a quieter operation, thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. Thus, while the Strawberry is known for its specific sound quality, you might expect somewhat similar aural results with the Twilight, given its focus on reducing noise.
The feel of the KTT Strawberry switch is particularly noteworthy and is characterized by several distinctive qualities: it’s frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This means that users can anticipate an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance and a fluid keystroke. The design likely contributes to an effortless interaction with the keys, enhancing overall typing comfort. Conversely, there is little information available about the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch, making it difficult to ascertain how it may compare.
In conclusion, both the KTT Strawberry and HMX Twilight linear switches offer specific qualities that may appeal to different types of users. The Strawberry is favored for its rich low-pitched sound and an incredibly smooth typing feel, while the Twilight seems to prioritize a quieter experience, although the specifics of its feel are yet to be determined. If you opt for either switch, you're likely to enjoy a satisfying typing experience, though the nuanced differences in sound and feel will cater to varying preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 62 grams, and you value a rich, low-pitched sound that resonates with a medium actuation force, the KTT Strawberry is an excellent choice. Its frictionless, silky, and buttery characteristics contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions or focused work where reliability and comfort are key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and appreciate a quieter keystroke with a more extended travel distance at 3.85mm, the HMX Twilight linear switch may be more suitable for you. This switch is perfect if you prefer a quieter typing environment, perhaps for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style, the sound levels you’re comfortable with, and the overall feel you desire from your mechanical keyboard as you decide between these two appealing options.
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