Bsun Hutt vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Hutt and the HMX SU offer two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Hutt, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium-heavy spring and pronounced tactile bump, delivering a snappy and invigorating feedback that many typists find satisfying. Its balanced sound profile and sharp accents enhance the tactile experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more interactive feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its linear design, features a smooth keystroke devoid of tactile resistance, thanks to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. This results in a subtle and deeper sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience that allows for swift key presses. Both switches have their unique advantages tailored to specific typing styles; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and HMX SU switches differ notably in their choice of materials for the top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. The Bsun Hutt features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound characteristic, especially vital when RGB lighting is incorporated due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can expect a markedly different auditory experience when typing on these two switches due to the fundamental properties of the top housing materials.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, both the Bsun Hutt and HMX SU share a commonality: they both utilize nylon material. This consistent choice provides a uniformity in the tactile experience, as nylon is renowned for its capacity to dampen sound and deliver a richer, more rounded typing feel. Regardless of the differences in the top housings, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches ensures that the deeper, fuller sound profile remains a consistent characteristic. Thus, while the top housings impart distinctive auditory qualities reflective of their materials, the inherent properties of nylon in the bottom housing provide a unified sonic backdrop that enhances the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, analyzing how the individual housing materials interact during use reveals the complexity behind switch performance. With the Bsun Hutt's polycarbonate top casing, users can anticipate a more pronounced and resonant sound upon key release, enhancing the typing experience when combined with nylon's sound-dampening effects in the bottom housing. The HMX SU, on the other hand, will deliver a smoother, tonally warmer sound during both keystrokes and releases due to the softness of its nylon top. As a result, while the switches utilize different materials for the top housing, the shared nylon bottom housing in both models moderates their key press sounds and performance, ultimately creating an engaging and satisfying typing experience tailored to each switch's unique sonic signature.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we see some notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Hutt switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the SU switch requires a bit more with an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches feature relatively close bottom out forces, with the Hutt at 49 grams and the SU at 50 grams, indicating that both ultimately provide a light typing experience overall. While the Hutt switch may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions, the SU switch, though marginally heavier, still maintains a light feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial feedback while typing. Thus, for those seeking a lighter option, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch would be the better choice, while the HMX SU linear switch offers a slightly firmer push without being overly heavy.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Hutt the shorter option by 0.1 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times typical for gaming. The SU's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. Thus, while both switches reside in the realm of short travel distances, the Hutt's 3.5 mm provides a marginally faster actuation, while the SU's 3.6 mm might be better suited for those who appreciate a little more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch features a resonant quality that delivers a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience. This sharp sound profile contributes to an immersive typing atmosphere, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is noted to have a subtle and relatively deep sound profile, though specific descriptors are lacking. It's worth noting that the overall sound of either switch can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which can modify the sound signature further.
In the tactile realm, the Hutt switch excels with a variety of descriptors like snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented. It provides pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, making the typing experience feel alive and responsive. Each keypress is marked by a distinct tactile bump that ensures a satisfying and immersive sensation. On the other hand, there is no information available about the feel of the HMX SU linear switch, making it difficult to draw any comparisons directly regarding that aspect.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out for its resonant sound and tactile feedback, making it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy pronounced sensations and auditory feedback. Conversely, while the HMX SU's sound profile leans towards subtlety, its tactile qualities remain unspecified, leaving room for curiosity. Ultimately, if you're seeking a typing experience enriched by feedback and sound, the Hutt switch is likely to deliver that vivid, immersive feel, while the SU may provide a different, quieter option that could yield a more muted experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire. If you thrive on feedback and enjoy a snappy and sharp feel, the Hutt switch will likely be your best choice. Its medium-heavy spring and pronounced tactile bump offer an invigorating sensation, making it particularly suited for those who want a dynamic and engaging typing experience, whether you're coding, gaming, or writing. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter operation without the tactile feedback, the HMX SU linear switch may better cater to your needs. Its subtle, deeper sound profile, coupled with its well-built housing, creates a seamless experience that’s ideal for extended typing sessions or environments where noise might be a concern. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value distinct tactile feedback or a fluid, linear actuation in your daily tasks.