HMX Canglan V2 vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both make compelling cases, despite sharing the linear switch category. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile that offers a deep, resonant feedback that enthusiasts crave, combined with a silky-smooth feel that exudes a premium typing experience. Meticulously crafted using advanced molding techniques, it provides a delicate balance of bounce and a low-pitched sound that many find delightful. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches captivate users with their creamy sound, reminiscent of the delightful clattering of mahjong tiles. Their rich, bassy tones, paired with a unique gliding feel and medium weight, cater to a broad audience, providing a sharp and responsive typing experience thanks to its innovative design features. While the Canglan V2 may appeal to those who favor a thocky, deep sound with a lighter touch, the Sunset Yellow excels in delivering a polished actuation with an indulgent auditory 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and Everglide Sunset Yellow present a fascinating comparison of how different plastics can influence the auditory experience of a mechanical switch. The Canglan V2 employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer and more sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, noted for being duller and rounder compared to switches made from harder plastics. The nylon's ability to dampen noise contributes to a richer typing experience, making it a classic choice among enthusiasts who appreciate a more subdued acoustic environment.
In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for producing distinct and pleasing sound qualities, characterized by a relatively muted yet deep profile. While both housing materials achieve a deeper sound, the POM offers a unique auditory signature that many users find appealing. However, unlike nylon, which absorbs sound, POM's slightly harder nature may lead to a sound that feels a bit more resonant, albeit still on the muted side. Thus, while both switches aim for a deeper sound experience, their inherent material properties create subtle differences in the overall typing sound and feel.
Despite the differences in materials, users can still achieve similar sound characteristics from both switches due to the fundamental design of mechanical keyboards. The impact of the top and bottom housings on the auditory experience means that, while the Canglan V2's nylon may create a fuller sound profile and the Sunset Yellow's POM may offer a more resonant experience, both can produce satisfying results when typing. The bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a critical role in the release sound. Therefore, regardless of whether one opts for nylon or POM, both switches can deliver an engaging and enjoyable typing experience that reflects the distinct qualities of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, while both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, whereas the Sunset Yellow offers a marginally heavier resistance, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This indicates that the Canglan V2 offers a more pronounced keypress, enabling a deeper feel that may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow, with its 3.2 mm travel distance, caters to users seeking quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize speed. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Sunset Yellow would be the preferable choice, whereas those who favor a more traditional, deeper feel may find the Canglan V2 more to their liking. Overall, the travel distance comparison shows the Canglan V2 as the longer option and the Sunset Yellow as the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, both exhibit a thocky characteristic that enhances the auditory experience during typing. The Canglan V2 produces a low-pitched and deep sound signature, often described as a "thud" or a soft "knock," which resonates well with users who appreciate a bass-heavy tone. This switch’s construction leads to a rich sound that feels satisfying and impactful. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow shares this thocky quality but is unique in that its sound profile is often compared to the delightful clatter of mahjong tiles. While both switches provide a deep sound, the Sunset Yellow leans slightly toward a more resonant and playful auditory experience, making both options attractive depending on personal sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 offers a silky, feathery, and bouncy sensation, allowing for exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance. This combination minimizes finger fatigue and provides a pleasant and lively typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions whether you’re gaming or working. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, contributing to a smooth and buttery feel with a fluid keystroke. The craftsmanship behind the Sunset Yellow results in a nearly effortless typing experience, letting users glide across the keys with ease. Both switches provide a remarkable feel, emphasizing smoothness and user comfort, but the nuances in their feedback—bouncy versus creamy—will cater to different typing styles and preferences.
In summary, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches excel in the realms of sound and feel, with each bringing unique characteristics to the table. The Canglan V2 thrives on its low-pitched, thocky sound and silky, bouncy feel, making it a joy for those who appreciate depth and liveliness. The Sunset Yellow, while also thocky, offers an engaging auditory experience akin to playful sounds, complemented by a smoother and more effortless typing feel. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to individual preferences in sound and tactile response, but both will deliver satisfying results in their respective attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches boils down to your personal typing preferences and the experiences you seek. If you find yourself gravitating towards lighter switches that provide a smooth, silky feel, along with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Canglan V2 would be your best bet. It's particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, whether you’re gaming or working, thanks to its low actuation force and feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a rich, creamy feedback combined with an indulgent sound profile, the Sunset Yellow is an excellent choice. It's versatile enough for a range of users, offering a balance between tactile response and sound without sacrificing comfort. In essence, your decision should align with whether you want to prioritize light, effortless keystrokes or opt for a medium-light feel that still retains a plush, luxurious typing experience.