HMX Twilight vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Twilight and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences, appealing to typists and gamers alike. The HMX Twilight is renowned for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which provides a slightly quieter typing experience while retaining the signature clacky sound of traditional HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile feel without the distraction of excessive noise. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its innovative POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, delivering a buttery, creamy feel that's reminiscent of the dessert for which it is named. Its high-pitched and clacky sound signature adds to its charm, making it particularly enticing for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing. Each switch offers a distinct blend of characteristics that cater to different preferences, 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Twilight and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches demonstrate notable differences that influence their sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Twilight's top and bottom housing are both made of nylon, a traditional material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This material's softer nature allows for a duller and rounder sound, making the typing experience richer. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, incorporating special mixed materials that accentuate a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. This distinction in materials serves to create divergent auditory characteristics that will significantly alter how users perceive each switch when typing.

When comparing the bottom housings, the Twilight maintains its nylon construction, whereas Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK (polyketone) material, which is recognized for its exceptional durability and smoothness. POK's performance is impressive, as it boasts a coefficient of friction that supports swift keystrokes, alongside durability features that exceed those of both nylon and POM. This disparity means that while the Twilight offers a consistent sound experience characterized by warmer tones, the Vanilla Ice Cream produces a sharper, brighter auditory signature that complements its clacky top housing. Therefore, the combination of different materials in their respective bottom housings further emphasizes the contrasting performance characteristics, with the Velvet Ice Cream aiming for a more pronounced and articulate sound profile.

Overall, while the HMX Twilight and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches employ different materials in their construction, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience. Should one desire a deeper sound profile with a soft touch, the Twilight's nylon will excel. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream invites users who prefer snappier feedback and a lively acoustic experience due to its unique material blend and POK bottom housing. This interplay between the top and bottom housing materials ensures that even with different compositions, players can find enjoyment tailored to their preferences while navigating the soundscapes created by each switch.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Twilight linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both switches demonstrate relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Twilight features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Twilight slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but also results in a heavier bottom out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. For users who prefer a softer touch for extended use, the Twilight may offer a slightly more comfortable experience due to its marginally lighter actuation force. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, although having a slightly heavier actuation force, still falls within the light category but provides a firmer bottom out feel. Overall, both switches deliver distinct tactile experiences, leaning towards lighter preferences, but the Twilight is the lighter option in actuation force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a heavier bottom-out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Twilight has a travel distance of 3.85 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vanilla Ice Cream features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference of 0.35 mm might seem minor but can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Users who favor quicker response times, commonly associated with shorter travel distances, may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream for its slightly more abrupt action. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the HMX Twilight, which offers a more traditional feel. Overall, it’s clear that those seeking responsiveness should opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience would benefit from the Twilight.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a slightly quieter typing experience due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which allows for a more muted response compared to traditional linear switches. It maintains the signature clacky characteristics that are typical of HMX switches, providing a sound profile that is less aggressive but still enjoyable for those who appreciate that auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is designed to deliver a high-pitched, sharp sound that is both marbly and resonant, making it ideal for users who prefer a clean and crisp audio experience. The combination of these acoustic traits results in a distinct sound for each switch, catering to different preferences: the Twilight leans towards muted functionality, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its lively auditory signature.

When considering the feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch’s characteristics aren't specified in the provided details. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is well-known for its exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience, attributed to the use of POK in its construction. This switch provides a buttery and creamy feedback that allows for a seamless keystroke sensation, making every key press feel fluid and effortless. While the feel of the Twilight is not described, users seeking a smooth tactile experience may find that the Vanilla Ice Cream's luscious texture sets it apart, creating a delightful typing experience that feels like gliding over the keys.

In summary, while both the HMX Twilight and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different user preferences. The Twilight provides a quieter, clack-oriented sound alongside a currently unspecified feel, making it appealing for those who enjoy a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream excites with its high-pitched, resonant sound and a satisfyingly creamy feel that enhances its typing experience. Therefore, users can select their preference based on these subjective qualities, resulting in either similar or distinctly different outcomes depending on their individual preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Twilight and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the specific experience you desire. The HMX Twilight, with its slightly heavier 50 grams of actuation force and extended 3.85mm travel distance, may be an excellent choice if you appreciate a quieter, more padded keystroke while still enjoying a hint of clacky feedback. This makes it suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that delivers a uniquely smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, with its 48 grams of actuation force, is likely your best bet. Its POK material enhances the buttery feel, providing a silky sensation that can make lengthy typing sessions more enjoyable, and its high-pitched, resonant sound profile adds a distinctive auditory dimension for those who prefer clarity over depth. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the tactile and auditory experiences you seek but also the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more