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Bsun Hutt vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering unique advantages for different typing experiences. The Bsun Hutt switch stands out with its medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating response that many typists appreciate for its feedback during long typing sessions. Its balanced sound profile enhances the auditory experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, proposes a smooth and seamless typing experience thanks to its linear design. Known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, this switch benefits from high-quality materials and excellent factory lube, appealing to users who prefer quick key presses without tactile interruptions. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether one values the detailed feedback of a tactile switch like the Hutt or the fluidity of the linear Sunset Gleam. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

42g

Bottom-out force

49g

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

POK

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

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

Both the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Sunset Gleam feature top housings crafted from polycarbonate, which sets the tone for their audio characteristics as well as aesthetics. The specifics of polycarbonate allow for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, attributed to its stiffness that enhances resonance. Consequently, both switches benefit from the translucency of the polycarbonate material, making them particularly compatible with RGB lighting. This allows for visually striking effects while also delivering a clear audio experience upon key presses. Since both switches utilize the same material in their top housing, players can expect an enhanced auditory clarity in both models, resulting in similar sound profiles that can cater to those seeking a vibrant and dynamic typing experience.

In contrast, both the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Sunset Gleam employ nylon for their respective bottom housings. The characteristics of nylon differ significantly from those of polycarbonate; being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This absorption creates a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, adding a unique quality to the overall experience of each switch. Although the top housings guarantee a crisp sound, the nylon bottoms contribute a warmth and richness, balancing the audio output. This combination of materials ensures that while the tactile sensation may feel consistent across both switches, the tonal output diversifies due to the influence of the bottom housing's softer nature.

When examining how the two switches interact, one must consider the way the sound profiles are distributed. The polycarbonate top housing significantly affects the acoustic sharpness as you release a key, while the nylon bottom determines the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Since both the Hutt and the Sunset Gleam share the same material properties in their top and bottom housings, they maintain predictable performance traits. This symmetry allows for a cohesive typing experience—players will experience a crisp sound on release from both switches, paired with the deeper tones and full-bodied impact on pressing down, creating a well-rounded auditory experience.

Weight

The Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Hutt features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Sunset Gleam has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Although both switches provide a light feel, the Hutt is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a marginally higher actuation force and a lower bottom out force, indicating that it requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke but offers a similarly robust feel when fully pressed down. This comparison highlights a subtle distinction between the two, with the Hutt being the lighter option overall. If users are looking for switches that offer similar typing dynamics, both switches are close enough in specifications that they may yield comparable experiences.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of key travel from top to bottom. Since both switches share this characteristic, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness, making either option suitable for those who prefer a consistent travel experience.

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 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

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out with its resonant sound profile. Users can expect a clean and sharp auditory experience, characterized by a higher-pitched tone that adds an immersive layer to the typing process. This quality not only enhances the feedback received while typing but also contributes to the overall satisfaction of each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, identified for its distinctive clack at the top-out, does not have a detailed sound descriptor provided. Hence, while it is recognized for producing a satisfying auditory result, the specific nuances of its sound, especially in comparison to the resonant quality of the Hutt, remain unknown.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt offers an invigorating typing experience, marked by a snappy and sharp tactile feedback. Its medium-heavy spring ensures that each keypress feels responsive and alive, enhanced by a prominent tactile bump that is distinctive with every keystroke. The feedback from the Hutt switch is described using terms such as snappy and accented, indicating a well-rounded tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch are not present, leaving its tactile characteristics and overall typing sensation unclear.

In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is designed to provide a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, with a resonant sound and pronounced feedback that elevate the typing experience. While the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is highlighted for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, the specifics of its sound and feel lack detailed information. For those who appreciate distinct auditory and tactile cues, the Hutt is likely to be the more fulfilling option, whereas the Sunset Gleam may appeal to users looking for a smooth and less pronounced linear experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a typing experience that is engaging and reactive, the Hutt’s prominent tactile bump and snappy feedback will serve you well, particularly for tasks that require precision, such as coding or writing. The Hutt's resonant sound profile can enhance your typing enjoyment, lending an immersive auditory quality to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother, more fluid typing style and appreciate the satisfying clack of a well-lubed linear switch, the HMX Sunset Gleam may be your best bet. It offers a delightful balance of feedback without the tactile bump, making it ideal for gaming or extended typing sessions where comfort and speed are priorities. In summary, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a tactile and engaging experience with the Hutt, or a smooth and effortless typing journey with the Sunset Gleam.

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