HMX Game1989 vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with their unique characteristics. The HMX 1989, known for being the deepest and thockiest switch in the HMX Film switch series, provides users with a rich and resonant sound profile that can enhance gaming and typing alike. Its design caters to those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow stands out with its Creamsicle color and delightful sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, creating a typing experience that feels both luxurious and enjoyable. The medium-weight of the Sunset Yellow makes it an excellent choice for a broader range of users, while its innovative Ly stem and proprietary lube ensure a smooth and frictionless operation. Both switches have their perks; the HMX 1989 leans towards a deeper sound and feel, while the Sunset Yellow offers a polished and vibrant 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 Game1989 Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, we can observe significant differences in their top housing materials, which directly affect their sound profiles. The HMX 1989 employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This contributes to a higher-pitched auditory experience, making it ideal for users seeking a bright, resonant sound when pressing keys and releasing them. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which provides a unique and pleasing sound that tends to be on the deeper side, resulting in a more muted overall auditory experience. This divergence in materials means that users can expect distinctly different sound profiles while typing; the HMX 1989 will feel more vibrant, while the Sunset Yellow will produce a softer acoustic presence.

Turning our attention to the bottom housings of these switches, we see similarities in material choice, as both the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow feature nylon and POM, respectively. The HMX 1989's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller, deeper sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound better than harder materials. This housing creates a rounded auditory sensation when keys are bottomed out. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing, despite its different material, boasts a deep and muted sound profile as well, enhancing the overall aural experience during typing. Both switches reflect a focus on achieving a pleasant sound profile; however, the specific timbres and textures differ due to the inherent qualities of nylon versus POM.

Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow yields diverse yet complementary sound experiences. The sharper, more resonant sound of the polycarbonate top in the HMX 1989 contrasts with the deeper, muted character of the Sunset Yellow's POM top, while the nylon and POM bottom housings provide a more consistent foundation for both. When typing on either switch, users will experience how the top housing influences the sound upon release, while the bottom housing impacts the bottoming out feel. Thus, while the switches are constructed with different materials, they both deliver engaging and unique auditory feedback, allowing users to choose according to their personal sound preferences and typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, albeit both are categorized as medium-light switches. The HMX 1989 operates with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. This indicates that the Sunset Yellow switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the HMX 1989. As a result, users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate toward the Everglide Sunset Yellow for its reduced force requirements. In contrast, the HMX 1989, being slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, may offer a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Thus, while both switches provide a medium-light experience, the Sunset Yellow is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users seeking ease of use over longer periods.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find a notable difference: the HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the HMX 1989 offers a feeling of greater depth when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow's shorter 3.2 mm travel distance caters to gamers and typists who favor quicker response times, making it feel more responsive but potentially too abrupt for some users. Therefore, if a user prioritizes speed and agility in their typing or gaming, the Sunset Yellow would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced and traditional key travel would lean towards the HMX 1989.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustic profile, contributing to a satisfying auditory experience that resonates with users looking for a substantial feedback when typing. The distinct "thock" or "thud" sound generates a rich and bassy ambience that enhances the overall typing feel, making each keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch also boasts a captivating sound with its bassy qualities, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding—offering a unique auditory delight in its own right. While both switches are characterized by deep, rich sounds, the specific acoustic signatures might vary slightly due to build materials and keycap choices, but overall, you can expect a pleasurable auditory experience from either switch.

When discussing the feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is likely to offer a smooth typing experience, though specific details about its tactile qualities are not provided here. Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch shines with multiple traits: it provides a creamy, frictionless experience that feels smooth and buttery under the fingers, thanks to its unique materials and factory lubing. The polished finish enhances this sensation, allowing for a seamless glide across the keys, creating a sharper and more responsive typographical engagement. While we lack specific details about the 1989's tactile feel, users familiar with linear switches can anticipate relatively smooth interactions from both, although the Sunset Yellow may have a distinct advantage in terms of lubricant and engineering for an effortless experience.

In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its thocky and deep acoustic qualities and provides a smooth feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers an indulgent sound profile with creamy and frictionless typing characteristics. Though their specific auditory and tactile experiences may differ slightly, both switches deliver an engaging typing experience that caters well to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Deciding between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference and the kind of audio and tactile feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a switch that provides a deeper, thocky sound profile, reminiscent of a rich thud when pressed, then the HMX 1989 is your best bet. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams gives it a sense of sturdiness while still being medium-light, making it suitable for gamers who enjoy a tactile punch in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more indulgent auditory experience complemented by a silky-smooth typing feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow should be your go-to. With its bassy sound, creamy texture, and frictionless operation, it’s ideal for those who prefer an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, perfect for long writing sessions or casual gaming. In essence, consider the type of sound and feel you desire, as well as the tasks you’ll primarily be using your keyboard for, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more