HMX Hibiscus vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the HMX Hibiscus and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and an ultra-light actuation force that makes it one of the most responsive switches on the market, perfect for users who favor quick, effortless key presses. Its satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature adds a playful auditory element to typing, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of feedback while they work or game. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, strikes a delightful balance with a nuanced top-out feel and a satisfying clack, supported by the excellent factory lube that HMX is renowned for. This makes the Sunset Gleam particularly appealing to users looking for a smooth yet tactile experience. While both switches offer unique advantages—one prioritizing effortless lightness and sound, and the other blending tactile feedback with smooth operation—each caters to different preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
The HMX Hibiscus and HMX Sunset Gleam exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their acoustic characteristics. The Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate in its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows for a more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a brighter and clearer typing experience. Thus, while both switches can provide unique sound qualities, their top housing materials create fundamentally different acoustic profiles leading to varied typing sensations.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, with both the Hibiscus and Sunset Gleam equipped with nylon bottoms. This similarity in bottom housing means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is bottomed out. Nylon's softer properties dampen sound and provide a more muted auditory feedback, ensuring that the bottom-out sound remains consistent across both models. Therefore, regardless of the disparity in top housing materials, users can expect a similar depth of sound from the bottom of each switch, creating a satisfying typing experience that is grounded in the classic qualities of nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches will dictate the overall typing experience. The Hibiscus, with its nylon top housing, will shine in creating a deeper, more subdued sound while the Sunset Gleam, with its polycarbonate top housing, will cater to those seeking a more pronounced and brighter acoustic experience. However, since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they harmonize in producing a consistent and rounded bottom-out sound that underpins the typing experience. As a result, even with their differing top housings, both models succeed in delivering a unique auditory landscape, ensuring that users can choose based on their personal preferences while still enjoying a satisfying typing feel.
Weight
Both the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches exhibit the same actuation force of 42 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams, resulting in a uniform typing experience in terms of force required for activation. This parity means that users will not notice a significant difference in feel when typing or gaming on either switch, making both suitable options for users who prefer lighter switches. Given their consistent actuation and bottom out forces, they are ideal for those who wish to type for extended periods without fatigue, as they provide a comfortable and responsive experience. Thus, whether one chooses the Hibiscus or the Sunset Gleam, they can expect similar performance characteristics, catering nicely to lighter switch preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when engaging either switch. This similarity in travel distance results in comparable tactile feedback and actuation, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will deliver similar performance in terms of responsiveness and feel, making the choice between them more dependent on other factors like sound profile or design aesthetics rather than the travel distance itself.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing experience. This sound profile is enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force, which adds to the overall acoustic enjoyment as the keys are easily depressed, creating a pleasant auditory environment. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch features a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, attributed to its carefully chosen materials and impressive factory lube. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, it's essential to remember that sound can also significantly depend on the keyboard build and keycaps used, meaning users may find similar performance between the two depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch boasts an unparalleled smoothness that contributes to a pristine typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize a seamless keypress with minimal resistance. The ultra-light actuation force further enhances this smoothness, offering a fluid typing experience that feels almost effortless. The Sunset Gleam, while also being a linear switch, delivers a different tactile experience with its noteworthy blend of materials that allows for a subtle responsiveness at the top of the keypress, combined with satisfying feedback as the switch bottoms out. Though their approaches may differ, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with slightly contrasting sensations.
In conclusion, the HMX Hibiscus and Sunset Gleam linear switches cater to different preferences while providing pleasurable sound and feel characteristics. The Hibiscus is prized for its smoothness and crispy sound, while the Sunset Gleam stands out with its refined materials and subtle feedback. Ultimately, both switches deliver an enjoyable experience, and your choice will likely depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality performance that reflects the craftsmanship of HMX's manufacturing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, you should consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth and pristine typing experience with a light touch, the Hibiscus switch may be your go-to choice. Its ultra-light actuation force makes it ideal for long typing sessions or intense gaming, while its clacky and crispy sound signature adds an enjoyable auditory element. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle yet satisfying feedback with an overall balanced feel, the Sunset Gleam might be the better option for you. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a refined sound with a gentle top-out, complemented by the factory lube that enhances its performance. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique take on linear feel and sound, so your decision should align with what kind of tactile experience you wish to have while using your mechanical keyboard.
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