HMX Twilight vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Twilight and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Twilight and the Jerrzi Violet can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The HMX Twilight, a linear switch, is celebrated for its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, offering a slightly quieter operation while still retaining the characteristic clacky sound associated with HMX switches. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback of a bump. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet stands out as a tactile switch, known for its gentle tactile response and satisfying poppiness, providing that gratifying feedback with each press. With a neutral sound signature, it combines a balanced auditory experience with a smooth actuation, appealing to typists who enjoy a more engaged feel while typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a quieter, linear action and the other emphasizing tactile feedback—it's crucial to delve deeper into their characteristics to find the switch that best fits your unique typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Twilight and the Jerrzi Violet, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Twilight features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb sound means that typists experience a more muted auditory feedback, which can be preferable for users seeking a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and enhances the sound profile with a sharper, crisper quality. This difference in housing material affects the acoustic experience each switch provides, making the Violet more suitable for those who appreciate a bright, resonant typing sound, particularly in setups that include RGB lighting, where the translucency of polycarbonate shines.
Interestingly, both the Twilight and Violet feature nylon for their bottom housings. This choice creates a shared foundation for sound absorption between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent deeper and rounder bottom-out sound, giving users a unified tactile experience when the keys reach the end of their travel. This similarity ensures that while their top housings generate different auditory qualities, the overall switch experience does not diverge completely, allowing for some consistency in sound feel during usage. Thus, regardless of the top housing material, the deeper sound produced by nylon in the bottom housing helps maintain similarities between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the two varying top housing materials and the consistent bottom housing lead to distinct yet balanced typing experiences with the HMX Twilight and Jerrzi Violet. The differences come into play primarily when considering the upward sound profile during release, where the Twilight's softer nylon softens the sound and the Violet's polycarbonate amplifies it. However, the deeper auditory character provided by the nylon bottoms ensures that both switches offer pleasing and familiar acoustics upon bottoming out. Overall, users can select between the two based on their preference for top-end sound characteristics while still enjoying the same deep resonance offered by the nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we notice some differences in actuation force. The Twilight has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Violet requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the HMX Twilight the lighter switch, which may be more suitable for users looking for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Twilight has a definite measurement at 50 grams, while the Jerrzi Violet's bottom out force remains unspecified. This absence of data means we cannot directly compare their bottom out experiences, but we do know that the Twilight's definitive force provides a clear understanding of the switch's resistance when fully pressed. Users who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Twilight for its lower actuation force, while those who like a heavier feel might lean toward the Violet, pending further information about its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Twilight features a travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the Violet has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.15 mm indicates that the Twilight switch offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Violet, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Violet’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances are often associated with enhanced speed. Ultimately, while both switches provide a good typing experience, the Twilight's travel distance is longer, potentially offering a more pronounced tactile experience, whereas the Violet's shorter travel may lead to a more responsive feel.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its slightly quieter profile while still maintaining the characteristic clacky sounds associated with HMX switches. This extended travel distance of 3.85mm contributes to a subdued auditory experience, which may be ideal for users seeking to minimize noise during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch presents a neutral sound signature that is moderate and balanced, making it versatile for a range of environments. This trait allows the Violet to comfortably fit into both home and office settings without causing distractions, making it suitable for beginners and experienced typists alike.
When we consider the feel aspect, the HMX Twilight offers a smooth linear actuation that generally lacks the tactile feedback many typists crave. Its characteristics allow for a consistent bottom-out sensation but with less emphasis on tactile bumps. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is designed as a gentle tactile option, characterized by a stepped feel. This means that users will experience a subtle tactile bump during actuation, creating a more pronounced sense of feedback without overwhelming the sense of touch. The Violet's mild feedback is ideal for those who prefer a more refined tactile experience that still maintains smoothness throughout the keystroke.
In summary, while the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a quieter yet clacky sound profile with a smooth linear feel, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a more neutral sound and a gentle tactile feedback that distinguishes it from the linear experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their typing style and environment. Whether opting for the Twilight's linear smoothness or the Violet's tactile charm, both switches can yield satisfying results, albeit through different sensory experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and the primary use case for your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother keystroke and an extended travel distance—ideal for rapid typing and gaming—the HMX Twilight may be the better choice for you. Its quieter sound profile makes it suitable for shared spaces, allowing you to enjoy your mechanical keyboard without disturbing others. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that adds a layer of engagement to your typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet would serve you well. Its gentle, stepped tactility provides satisfying feedback without overwhelming noise, making it great for both casual and professional environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value the smoothness and quieter characteristics of the Twilight or the tactile responsiveness and balanced sound of the Violet.
Mentioned in this article
