HMX Hibiscus vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the HMX Hibiscus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance the typing experience. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, which surpasses that of 80% of other switches, delivering an exceptionally smooth and pristine feel with a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and a lightweight touch. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow features a medium weight that balances comfort and responsiveness, offering a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, making each keystroke feel indulgent and satisfying. Enhanced by its unique Ly stem and a carefully developed factory lube method, this switch guarantees a polished and frictionless typing experience. While both switches have their distinct advantages, the Hibiscus leans toward ultra-light efficiency, while the Sunset Yellow envelops typists in a luxurious sound profile and consistent feedback. 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
T3
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, the differences in material composition reveal unique implications for sound and tactile feedback. The Hibiscus utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, a classic choice that is known for its softer texture. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper, fuller, and somewhat muted tone when typing. Consequently, users can expect a duller sound profile, which is often preferred for an immersive typing experience. The consistent use of nylon throughout the Hibiscus' structure ensures that it maintains this acoustic character uniformly, providing a cohesive sound environment with every keystroke.
In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housing. POM is known for its impressive durability and distinct acoustic qualities, which contribute to a unique sound profile. While also producing deeper and slightly muted tones, POM's density allows for a different type of response compared to nylon, offering a firmer feel when typing. POM's characteristics introduce a more distinct sound that can still achieve a pleasing auditory experience, though it may lack the rounded quality inherent to nylon. Unlike the Hibiscus, which benefits from the same material across its housing, the Sunset Yellow may provide variation in sound through the differing interactions of the POM material on both the top and bottom.
Despite the differences in housing materials, users can achieve somewhat similar auditory experiences between the HMX Hibiscus and Everglide Sunset Yellow through the unique qualities that each material brings to the switch. The nylon of the Hibiscus is designed to absorb sound more effectively, lending to a richer bottoming-out experience, while the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow still creates a satisfying typing sound but with slightly sharper acoustics. The overall typing experience will be distinct for each switch, but both types aim for that deeper sound profile that many users appreciate. For instance, while the tonal quality may vary, the deeper sound characteristics inherent to both switches can satisfy users seeking a muted yet rich typing sound.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying typing preferences. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Sunset Yellow's slightly heavier 43 grams. This disparity continues at the bottom out level, where the Hibiscus reaches 48 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has a bottom out force of 51 grams. As such, the Hibiscus is the lighter switch option, which is ideal for users who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the heavier Sunset Yellow can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel with each keystroke. Overall, while both switches are comfortable, they cater to distinct preferences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we observe a distinct difference. The Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the longer of the two switches, providing a deeper press that some users may find more satisfying for their typing and gaming needs. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance can enhance responsiveness, making it appealing to gamers who prefer quicker key actuation. Therefore, if you seek a more immediate response when pressing keys, the Sunset Yellow would be the better choice, while those favoring a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Hibiscus.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch delivers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile that offers a distinct auditory pleasure during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch possesses a rich and bassy resonance reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This makes the Hibiscus switches produce a lighter and more percussive sound, while the Sunset Yellows deliver a deeper, thocky tone that is more subdued and rich. Although both switches aim for an enjoyable auditory experience, they cater to different preferences, with the Hibiscus leaning towards a brighter, sharper sound and the Sunset Yellow favoring a fuller, bass-heavy acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches stand out for their ultra-light actuation force, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience that feels effortless. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are characterized by their creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, ensuring that users enjoy a buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. The Hibiscus emphasizes the sheer lightness and smoothness of each keystroke, while the Sunset Yellow excels in creating a silky sensation that glides effortlessly under the fingers. Both switches offer a high-quality tactile experience, yet the Sunset Yellow leans more towards a luxurious, refined touch that enhances each interaction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer unique and satisfying experiences, each with distinct sound signatures and tactile feels. The Hibiscus switches provide a lighter, clackier auditory experience paired with an ultra-light smoothness, while the Sunset Yellow switches deliver a rich, bassy sound accompanied by an indulgently creamy and frictionless typing sensation. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both are poised to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize an ultra-light actuation force and a typing experience characterized by exceptional smoothness and a clacky, poppy sound signature, the Hibiscus switch is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a lighter feel and want to enjoy a unique auditory experience that makes every keystroke feel crispy and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, the Sunset Yellow could be the better option for you. Its creamy, frictionless feel and polished finish create a smooth, buttery typing experience that is responsive yet indulgent. The medium-light actuation force combined with a distinct sound profile makes it versatile and suitable for a diverse range of users. Ultimately, consider your own typing habits and sound preferences to decide which switch aligns best with your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
