HMX Twilight vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Twilight and the Gateron Type A present unique features that cater to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Twilight is lauded for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a slightly quieter typing experience while still preserving the signature clacky sound that HMX switches are known for. Ideal for users who appreciate a traditional feel but desire a more subdued acoustic profile, the Twilight could be an excellent choice for those who enjoy a longer keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A stands out in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, offering innovative factory lubing techniques and a balanced experience that emphasizes a medium weight. It features a deeper sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a more robust auditory feedback without the loudness of other switches. While both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and sound preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Twilight Linear

Gateron Type A Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Twilight and Gateron Type A both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, emphasizing the importance of this material in shaping the typing experience. Nylon is renowned in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to enhance sound profiles, providing a deeper and fuller auditory response when typing. The softness of nylon contributes significantly to sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing material not only offers a consistent character to each switch but also promises users a comparable acoustic experience, making both options appealing for those seeking an enriched auditory feedback in their typing.

Both the HMX Twilight and Gateron Type A boast nylon in their bottom housings, which underscores their shared commitment to delivering a satisfying keystroke experience. Given that the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon construction allows for a plush impact when keys are fully pressed. This shared characteristic ensures that typists using either switch will experience a consistent tactile experience that is a hallmark of nylon's properties. The impact of the bottom housing is integral to the switch performance, making both switches likely to provide the same kind of pleasant tactile feedback upon actuation.

While the materials used in both switches offer strong similarities, they may also showcase nuances based on additional design elements that can affect feel and sound. In the event that there are differences in aspects beyond housing, such as spring tension or stem design, these could lead to variations in typing dynamics despite the commonality in nylon construction. Nevertheless, since both switches employ the same housing material, users can expect a fundamentally similar auditory profile, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. This overlap in material choice highlights the reliable qualities that nylon brings to the mechanical keyboard landscape, ensuring that each switch delivers a satisfaction that is both decided and familiar.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, notable differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the 50 grams of the Gateron Type A, making the Twilight easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Twilight is 50 grams, while the Type A has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This contrast indicates that users seeking a more substantial feel will gravitate towards the Gateron Type A switch, which provides a firmer resistance. Overall, while the Twilight offers a lighter experience suitable for prolonged use, the Type A caters to those who prefer a stronger key press.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, we find that the Twilight has a travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the Type A measures 4 mm. This indicates that the Gateron Type A has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Twilight. For users who favor a shorter travel distance, the Twilight might be more appealing as it can provide quicker response times, catering to the needs of gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more robust feel and depth when typing may prefer the Type A due to its traditional 4 mm travel distance. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the HMX Twilight is the shorter option, offering a more immediate response, whereas the Gateron Type A provides a classic, deeper experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Twilight switch is renowned for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a slightly quieter operation while still preserving the signature clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switch produces a sound that is both neutral and subdued; it has a moderate actuation force and a sound profile that is particularly versatile for a range of users and settings. While the Type A leans towards a deeper sound signature, the combination of the Type A's subdued nature and the Twilight's clackiness offers two distinct auditory experiences—one that is lively and somewhat more pronounced versus one that is more muted and appropriate for quieter environments.

When considering the feel of the switches, the specific qualities of the HMX Twilight remain unspecified, which means we cannot draw direct comparisons on tactile feedback. The Gateron Type A switch, however, is designed as a medium-weight switch, suggesting a balanced resistance that can be comfortable for both novice and seasoned typists alike. Depending on your preferences for linear switches, the lack of specific feel characteristics for the Twilight switch leaves a bit of uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of personal testing to determine which sensation you might prefer.

Overall, the HMX Twilight and Gateron Type A linear switches both offer unique auditory personalities that cater to different preferences. The Twilight's clacky sound paired with a quieter profile makes it ideal for users who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with a bit of a twist, while the Type A provides a more neutral and subdued auditory experience suitable for various environments. Feel-wise, the lack of specified qualities for the Twilight necessitates individual exploration, but the Type A's medium weight is likely to appeal to a broad audience. In essence, both switches present viable options depending on your sound and feel preferences, and trying both out personally may yield the best results for your typing needs.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch largely depends on your individual preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter tactile experience and want a switch that features an extended travel distance for a slightly quieter typing sound, the HMX Twilight would be the better choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams can offer you a more effortless typing experience, ideal for those long hours spent gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium-light action with a deeper sound profile and a more neutral acoustic signature, then the Gateron Type A is likely more suited to your needs. It’s a fantastic option if you aim for versatility, whether you're working in a quiet office or enjoying a gaming session. Its more substantial bottom-out force of 55 grams and subdued sound allow for an experience that balances between tactile satisfaction and a less intrusive auditory environment. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you value a lighter, quieter switch that excels in feel, or a substantially crafted switch that combines weight and auditory characteristics for a balanced experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more