HMX Twilight vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Twilight and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Twilight and Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique features that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Twilight is celebrated for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a slightly quieter keystroke while still delivering that signature clacky sound that many HMX fans enjoy. This makes it an appealing option for those who desire a tactile experience without excessive noise, perfect for office settings or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed with a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, which promotes speed and responsiveness, ideal for gamers and typists seeking agility in their keystrokes. While the Twilight emphasizes a more deliberate typing feel with its longer travel, the Yellow Silver prioritizes quick actuation and streamlined performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Twilight and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that's both duller and rounder. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suited for situations where sound precision is paramount, such as when using RGB lighting. The differences in top housing materials therefore lead to varying auditory experiences when typing, with the Twilight catering to those who prefer a warmer sound and the Yellow Silver appealing to those who favor a brighter tone.
On the other hand, both the HMX Twilight and the Outemu Yellow Silver share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This unity in material choice means that both switches will exhibit similar qualities in terms of sound and feel when the key is pressed down completely. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, consistent with the characteristics noted in both switches. This shared material reduces the overall impact of their differing top housings, as the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile response when the switch is pressed. Thus, a user accustomed to the feel of one switch may find a familiar tactile experience when trying the other, despite the variations in their top housing materials.
The interplay of different housing materials creates a nuanced typing experience for users of both the Twilight and Yellow Silver switches. With the nylon bottom housing ensuring a consistent, warmer auditory and tactile experience, the primary differentiation arises in the top layers, shaping the sound profile as keys are released. The Twilight's nylon top retains the rounder sound signature, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top injects a clearer and crisper character to the auditory experience. Ultimately, even with the contrasting top housing materials, users can expect a rich depth of sound and feel in both switches, underscoring how the bottom housing ties the two models together in terms of performance and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge, influencing user experience. The HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. As a result, the Twilight is better suited for those who prioritize comfort and endurance, while the Yellow Silver will attract users looking for a firmer resistance. Overall, while both switches offer a linear experience, the HMX Twilight is clearly the lighter option, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver provides a medium-light alternative for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that the Twilight has a travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Twilight the shorter option, offering a more responsive keypress, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Yellow Silver’s longer 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which can be preferred by those who appreciate a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, if you opt for the HMX Twilight, you'll benefit from a slightly faster response due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Yellow Silver will provide a fuller depth that some users find more comfortable.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Twilight switch stands out with its slightly quieter acoustics, owing to an extended travel distance of 3.85mm. This design retains the distinctive clacky traits typical of HMX switches, making it appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback without being overly intrusive. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, meaning it doesn't draw too much attention to itself. This neutrality is advantageous for both gamers and typists seeking a sound level that balances responsiveness and discretion. While both switches offer different auditory experiences, the Twilight's signature clack is notably more pronounced, whereas the Yellow Silver maintains a subdued presence.
In terms of tactile feel, the HMX Twilight offers a smooth linear experience that enhances the typing or gaming experience without any noticeable bumps. The extended travel distance contributes to a gradual and seamless key press, which can be appealing for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed with a light actuation force, promoting a fast and responsive feel. This characteristic makes it particularly adept for rapid keystrokes, which can be beneficial in gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. The primary difference in feel between the two lies in the actuation force and the travel distance, influencing how each switch caters to different user preferences.
Overall, both the HMX Twilight and Outemu Yellow Silver switches have their unique strengths tailored to different user priorities. The Twilight's extended travel and signature clacky sound may attract those who enjoy a more tactile auditory experience, while the neutral tone and lighter actuation of the Yellow Silver cater to gamers and typists looking for speed and discretion. While they will produce different auditory and tactile results, choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the context of your typing or gaming experience. If you gravitate towards a lighter switch with a unique feel, the HMX Twilight, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and generous 3.85mm travel distance, offers a softer touch and a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise control is a priority, such as shared workspaces. The slight "clacky" characteristics of the Twilight add a satisfying auditory element for those who enjoy feedback during their key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light force that delivers rapid responsiveness along with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver would be a suitable choice. With a 55-gram bottom-out force, it caters well to both gamers seeking quick actuation and typists who value stability while typing, ensuring versatility for a range of tasks. Thus, your final choice should align with your personal preferences—whether you lean toward a lighter, quieter option like the Twilight or a balance of speed and stability offered by the Yellow Silver.
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