TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The TTC Bluish White switches are designed for those who appreciate a tactile feel, offering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. These switches are characterized by their buttery and subtle feedback, making them ideal for users who enjoy a little extra responsiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, represents the linear switch family, providing a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. With a perfect blend of materials and excellent factory lube, the Sunset Gleam delivers a gentle top-out and satisfying clack, catering to users who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke. Depending on your typing preferences, you might choose the Bluish White for its tactile feedback and acoustic engagement, or the Sunset Gleam for its smooth operation and minimal sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Bluish White and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a distinct sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. This consistency in material choice reflects the benefits of polycarbonate, notable for its rigidity that leads to a clear and resonant auditory experience. Furthermore, both switches capitalize on the translucency of polycarbonate, enhancing their compatibility with RGB lighting setups. Since they share the same top housing material, users can expect similar acoustic results when typing, with a sound profile that emphasizes clarity and precision in keystrokes.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Bluish White and Sunset Gleam switches are made from nylon, a classic material known for its ability to produce a fuller and deeper sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to this effect by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, thus resulting in a rounder and more refined auditory experience. This consistent choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a satisfying auditory signature, as both switches exhibit similar qualities when it comes to sound absorption and overall feel upon actuation.

When examining how the varying materials impact the overall typing experience, it is essential to recognize that the top and bottom housing materials each contribute distinct characteristics. The polycarbonate top housings will influence the sound produced during the release of a key, while the nylon bottom housings predominantly determine the feel and bottom-out sound when a key is engaged. Both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches deliver an impressive combination of clarity from the polycarbonate top and warmth from the nylon bottom, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience that emphasizes the strengths of both materials.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both switches exhibit similar actuation forces of 42 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users looking for a light typing experience will find both options equally agreeable in that regard. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Bluish White having a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires 48 grams. This makes the Bluish White somewhat heavier overall when considering the bottom-out pressure, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully depressed. Therefore, users who appreciate a firmer feedback when typing might prefer the Bluish White, while those who favor a slightly lighter experience could opt for the Sunset Gleam. Overall, both switches are designed for lighter usage, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, but they cater to different preferences in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that when pressed, each switch travels the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance indicates that users will experience a comparable feel when actuating either switch. As a result, keyboard enthusiasts looking for consistent actuation feedback can expect similar results in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness from both switch types. Therefore, neither switch is considered shorter or longer; they are equal in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch presents a low-pitched, snappy character, offering a bass-heavy, mellow tone that can create a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic is well-suited for users who appreciate a more traditionally tactile experience combined with sound. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam, although it boasts a blend of materials aimed at achieving a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, lacks a defined sound descriptor in the provided details. As sound is inherently influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice, both switches can create uniquely personal auditory experiences tailored to individual setups.

When it comes to feel, the Bluish White stands out with its rich tapestry of tactile qualities. It is buttery and polished, delivering a smooth keystroke experience that reduces friction and enhances overall typing comfort. The switch is also mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing sensation that accommodates varying typing styles. Its stepped tactile feedback integrates a feeling of two stages in its press, allowing typists to experience a nuanced response without being overly pronounced. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam’s feel is not specified, leaving its tactile characteristics open to interpretation.

In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and HMX Sunset Gleam switches cater to different user preferences when it comes to sound and feel. While the Bluish White is characterized by its low-pitched, snappy sound and a polished, buttery typing experience with mild characteristics, the Sunset Gleam offers a unique auditory experience that likely fits linear preferences. Though not directly comparable in feel due to a lack of information, the Bluish White provides a tactile richness that may appeal to those seeking pronounced feedback. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on whether one favors a tactile, auditory typing experience or seeks a smoother, perhaps subtler response typical of linear switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you crave a tactile and auditory feedback with a satisfying pop whenever you type, the Bluish White is an excellent choice. Its low-pitched, buttery, and subtly stepped design delivers a pleasant typing experience that's approachable and comfortable, making it ideal for users who enjoy that tactile sensation. Furthermore, if you often type in shared spaces, the gentle sound profile of the Bluish White ensures that you'll remain polite to those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer the smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience offered by a linear switch, then the HMX Sunset Gleam will serve you well. With its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, coupled with HMX's excellent factory lube, this switch provides an exceptionally refined typing experience. Plus, the light 48-gram actuation force makes it perfect for those who appreciate a seamless and responsive feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also the typing context in which you find yourself most often.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more