HMX Twilight vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When exploring the landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Twilight and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Twilight, characterized as a linear switch, boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, offering a smoother and quieter typing experience that retains the clacky signature of HMX switches, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who favor swift, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out as a tactile switch with its luxurious blend of deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and a muted profile at the top, along with a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing sensation. While the Twilight is ideal for those seeking a bouncy and quieter performance, the U4Tx RGB caters to users who thrive on tactile cues and a rich auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Twilight Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Twilight and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit notable similarities in their choice of housing materials, both utilizing nylon and a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" respectively. The HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, crafted explicitly to mimic this sonic richness. This connection underscores the shared goal between both switch designs to deliver satisfying acoustic feedback, albeit through different material formulations.

The bottom housing of both switches mirrors this trend of comprehensive sound design. The HMX Twilight again opts for nylon, offering the same advantages as its top housing—primarily enhanced sound absorption and richness. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's bottom housing is composed of the proprietary boba plastic blend, which similarly aims for a full-bodied sound profile. The impact of these materials becomes particularly pronounced during the bottom-out phase of keypresses, where the bottom housing influences the feel and acoustic characteristics more significantly. Despite their different compositions, the acoustic signatures produced by both switches remain aligned, highlighting a unified focus on audio performance.

Although differing in specific materials, the fundamental attributes of the HMX Twilight and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches converge in their design philosophy, emphasizing sound quality and typing experience. Each switch's distinctive housing material contributes collaboratively to the overall auditory experience, maintaining a balance between sound absorption and richness. The differences in material—nylon versus "boba plastic"—enhance rather than detract from the switches' performance, enabling users to achieve similar satisfying results regardless of the switch variant they choose. Ultimately, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience with their careful sound engineering, inviting users to appreciate the nuances in their craftsmanship.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Twilight switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is noticeably heftier at 65 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel. This makes the Gazzew switch medium-heavy, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience. Consequently, the HMX Twilight is the lighter option overall, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the heavier choice, which could be a deciding factor depending on the user's preferences for typing or gaming.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it becomes evident that the Twilight has a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures at 3.6 mm. This 0.25 mm difference indicates that those who prefer a more responsive feel may find the shorter U4Tx RGB switch more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its greater depth, might be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience and appreciate the tactile feedback that comes with the additional distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's preference for travel distance and the type of performance they seek in their keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Twilight linear switch is known for its slightly quieter profile due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, effectively softening the usual clackiness associated with many mechanical switches. This results in what can be described as a subtle auditory experience, keeping sound levels down while still maintaining a hint of that signature clacky characteristic that enthusiasts enjoy. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a rich and refined sound profile, blending a deep "thock" during bottoming out with a muted ascent at the top. It provides a unique auditory experience characterized by a quieter overall sound while allowing a more profound resonance—culminating in a bassy tone that still manages to feel luxurious. Although both switches produce different auditory profiles, they each serve unique preferences, and sound characteristics can further depend on the keyboard setup used.

In terms of feel, the HMX Twilight switch is celebrated for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that invigorates typing with a lively rebound effect. This makes the experience of pressing the keys feel dynamic and responsive, allowing for fast typing with an enjoyable tactile quality. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is currently unknown, leaving the comparison incomplete for this aspect. However, the tactile bump intrinsic to this switch suggests it provides a degree of feedback that is sharp and refined, which may appeal to those who enjoy a distinct tactile sensation during typing.

In conclusion, both the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch appeal to different auditory and tactile preferences, revealing the diversity available in mechanical keyboard switches. The Twilight offers a quieter, more subdued sound profile complemented by a dynamic bouncy feel, while the U4Tx RGB provides a more luxurious sound experience without specifics on its tactile feedback. This comparison highlights the richness in choice mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have, allowing users to find the perfect combination that suits their specific typing style and auditory desires.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more responsive, bouncy feel alongside slightly quieter operation, then the HMX Twilight is likely your best pick. Its longer travel distance allows for a smooth typing experience that can be particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who favor rapid key presses. On the other hand, if you're searching for a switch that offers more resistance and a richer tactile experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would be the better choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and a distinctive tactile bump, it provides a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate, especially if you favor a deeper sound profile with a more luxurious feel. Additionally, the muted, bassy sound of the U4Tx RGB may appeal to those in shared spaces or who prefer a more subdued audio experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance between the desired feel, sound, and response that fits your typing needs best.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more