Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam are two standout options worth considering, both categorized as linear switches. The Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke with an optimized travel distance that many users find highly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, delivers a unique tactile experience with its clever blend of materials that produces a subtle top-out sensation and a satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lubrication. While the Glory Red is ideal for those seeking a feather-light feel, the Sunset Gleam appeals to users desiring a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam, a distinct contrast emerges, particularly concerning the top housing. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. The resulting acoustic characteristics lead to a rounder and more muted typing experience, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature facilitates this crisper sound profile, making it a suitable option for those who enjoy a more pronounced audible feedback, particularly in RGB lighting setups where visual aesthetics and sound clarity are important.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam employ nylon, resulting in a shared characteristic between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall acoustic signature of both switches, giving them a similar depth and fullness in sound. As nylon is consistent in both models at this level, users will notice that the bottoming out sound and feel—a crucial aspect of typing—will reflect this shared use of nylon. Consequently, even though the top housings differ fundamentally in material and resultant acoustic properties, the nylon bottom housing ensures a commonality that ties the overall typing experience together.
Ultimately, the divergence in top housing materials means that while the Glory Red offers a more muted and deeper sound profile, the Sunset Gleam delivers a brighter and more resonant auditory feedback. However, the fact that both switches share a nylon bottom housing allows for a consistent acoustic foundation that enhances the user experience across both models. The interplay of materials within the switches highlights how the qualities unique to each contribute to the final typing sensation—while users may gravitate towards the full-bodied sound of the Glory Red or the clarity of the Sunset Gleam, they will experience a familiar emotional tie through the warmth and depth provided by the nylon bottom housing in both instances.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Sunset Gleam, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the Sunset Gleam more suitable for their needs, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might lean towards the Glory Red. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam has a specified bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when completely depressed, while we lack data for the bottom out force of the Glory Red. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while the Glory Red offers a heavier feel that some typists may prefer for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Glory Red offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glory Red switch provides a deeper press compared to the Sunset Gleam, which may result in a fuller tactile experience for users who prefer that sensation. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, while both switches provide a relatively close feel, those who enjoy a more responsive and shallow keystroke may gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam, whereas individuals who favor a more substantial depth in their key presses might prefer the Glory Red switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch is known for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which translates to a quiet sound profile that is typical of linear switches. While the specifics of its sound are not detailed, users generally find it to be unobtrusive, making it ideal for typing environments where noise is a consideration. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is recognized for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack due to the exceptional materials used in its construction. The presence of factory lube enhances its acoustics, providing a more pronounced sound that some may find more engaging, though it remains quieter than tactile or clicky switches. This variance suggests that while both switches are linear and maintain a quieter operation, the Sunset Gleam might appeal more to those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch provides a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for effortless keystrokes. This lighter touch is beneficial for those who prefer rapid input without fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam is also designed to deliver a smooth feel, but it is enhanced by the quality factory lubrication, ensuring that every keypress glides effortlessly without any gritty sensation. Although both switches offer a smooth experience, the Sunset Gleam's factory lube might give it a slight edge in terms of consistency and satisfaction during use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Sunset Gleam are excellent linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Glory Red excels in providing a lightweight, smooth keystroke ideal for quiet typing environments, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more engaging sound and exceptional factory lubrication for a refined typing feel. Both switches will provide a generally smooth and quiet typing experience, making them great options depending on whether you prefer the subtlety of the Glory Red or the enhanced auditory feedback of the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile sensation, as both can deliver satisfying results in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, you'll want to consider both your typing preferences and the experience you aim to achieve. If you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Glory Red is an excellent option due to its pleasant keystroke and comfortable travel distance. This switch is particularly ideal for those who type quickly and enjoy a less tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you find satisfaction in a more deliberate typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam might be your best choice with its heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams. This switch offers a distinctive sound and feel, characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack due to the high-quality materials used by HMX. Therefore, if you're seeking precise feedback and a slightly more pronounced acoustic profile, opt for the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, sound preference, and the feedback you enjoy most while working or gaming on your mechanical keyboard.
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