Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to the balancing act between sound, feel, and performance. The Everglide Sunset Yellow is a standout with its Creamsicle hue, providing a captivating auditory experience akin to the gentle clash of mahjong tiles, making typing not just an action, but an indulgent ritual. With a medium weight, it caters to a diverse audience, and its unique Ly stem paired with a proprietary lubing method delivers a frictionless and polished glide. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which offers a bouncier typing feel while ensuring a quieter sound profile—ideal for those who prefer a subtler auditory feedback while still enjoying a responsive typing experience. Both switches excel in their respective areas: the Sunset Yellow draws users in with its rich, thocky sound and quick response, while the Twilight appeals to those who seek a plush, bouncy feel with minimal noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.09 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Sunset Yellow and HMX Twilight switches exhibit both similarities and contrasts that significantly affect their acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback. The Sunset Yellow features POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a distinctive sound profile that leans toward the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. POM is appreciated for its rigidity and resilience, which may enhance the tactile feel of the switch while contributing to a satisfying auditory experience. Conversely, the HMX Twilight uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon's inherent softness facilitates a sound-absorbing quality that results in a fuller and rounder sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim for a rich auditory experience, the materials selected for each lead to different nuances in their sound generation and overall tactile feedback.

When it comes to examining the interplay between the top and bottom housings, both switches create a unique listening experience anchored in their respective materials. In the case of the Sunset Yellow, the POM's solid structure will predominantly influence the sound when releasing a key, leading to a more subdued auditory profile as the top housing dampens the sound. Meanwhile, the Nylon in the Twilight's housing may retain a plush auditory quality throughout the key press and release, primarily due to its ability to absorb impact noises. This means that while Sunset Yellow's sound may be described as pleasant yet muted, the Twilight offers a robustness thanks to its softer housing, leading to an evolved sound response upon actuation.

Despite their differences, the similarities in the foundational goals of both switch designs point to an area of convergence in user experience. Both the Sunset Yellow and HMX Twilight are engineered to provide a sound profile that skews deeper, leading them to attract users seeking a less pronounced auditory feedback compared to crisper switches. If one were to use these switches interchangeably, they might find that both allow for a satisfying keystroke experience; the POM in Sunset Yellow leans toward a more muted vibration while the Nylon in Twilight offers a rounder sound. Ultimately, while the two switches capitalize on different materials to achieve their acoustic profiles, they share a synergy in delivering a pleasant and engaging typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Sunset Yellow features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a slightly lower actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This means that the Twilight switch requires marginally less force to actuate and bottom out, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Sunset Yellow provides a more substantial feel, which some typists may prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, while both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, those seeking a lighter setup would likely gravitate towards the HMX Twilight, while those desiring more resistance may opt for the Everglide Sunset Yellow.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Sunset Yellow features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Twilight extends to 3.85 mm. This means that the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Twilight. For users seeking quicker response times, the shorter 3.2 mm travel of the Sunset Yellow may be more appealing, allowing for faster keypresses that are particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Twilight’s 3.85 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, catering to those who prefer a deeper, more traditional key press that offers a sense of satisfaction with each stroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either speed or depth in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch produces a delightful thocky sound profile that evokes the deep, resonant tones reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, offering an immersive auditory experience. The richness of the sound adds a luxurious element to typing, making it feel rewarding with every keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is characterized by its quieter output, attributed to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. It maintains the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, providing a sharp contrast to the Sunset Yellow's more bass-driven and thocky sound.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Sunset Yellow is noted for its creamy and frictionless typing experience that allows for a fluid and smooth action. The unique ly stem design along with the proprietary factory lube method contributes to a polished sensation, making each keystroke feel effortless and seamless, akin to gliding across the keys. Conversely, the HMX Twilight offers a bouncy feel, providing a lively spring-like feedback with each press. This springiness can add a sense of energy and engagement during typing, creating a different tactile experience compared to the smoothness of the Sunset Yellow.

In conclusion, while both the Everglide Sunset Yellow and HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Sunset Yellow excels with its rich, deep sound and silky smoothness, making it an indulgent choice for those who appreciate a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the Twilight's quieter sound and bouncy feedback offer a lively and energetic alternative. Depending on what aspects you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard, both switches can deliver satisfying typist experiences, albeit with different tonal and tactile sensations.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a more tactile and luxurious typing experience, the Sunset Yellow is an excellent option. Its creamy and polished feel combined with a satisfying thocky sound creates an indulgent atmosphere that enhances your typing sessions, making it suitable for both casual and serious typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, bouncier feel with a slight emphasis on responsiveness, the HMX Twilight will serve you well. With its extended travel distance and lightly cushioned feedback, it caters to those who enjoy a springier typing sensation. The quieter sound profile makes it a great choice for environments where sound might be an issue. In essence, choose the Sunset Yellow for a plush and rich experience, and opt for the Twilight for an energetic, lively feel—your typing habits will ultimately guide you in making the best selection for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

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HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more