Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam both present distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Ink Red, a standout in the linear switch category, is celebrated for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for typists who prefer a lighter touch. Its smooth keystrokes coupled with a crispy and clacky sound profile offer an engaging typing experience that many find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also a linear switch, boasts a refined construction featuring a unique blend of materials that delivers a pleasant top-out feel alongside crisp acoustics, enhanced further by HMX's renowned factory lubrication. While the Ink Red is perfect for those who favor a milder touch, the Sunset Gleam appeals to users who seek a balanced yet tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, distinct characteristics emerge from their respective top constructions. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is recognized for delivering a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that’s often described as clacky. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of the material. Although both switches share the attribute of producing higher-pitched sounds, the Ink Red's INK blend leans slightly more towards a satisfying thinness, while the polycarbonate significantly contributes to a more resonant sound profile that's particularly favorable for setups utilizing RGB lighting. The aesthetic benefits of polycarbonate, with its translucency and clarity, stand out in this context, making the Sunset Gleam more visually appealing for light effects.

The bottom housings of the switches showcase even greater contrast between their materials, influencing the overall sound signature experienced when typing. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing is designed to complement its top housing by maintaining that pointed and high-pitched sound profile, allowing for consistent higher notes across the keystroke. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam employs nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and sound-dampening qualities. This divergence creates a noticeable difference in the typing experience; the Ink Red results in a more uniform clacky sound, while the Sunset Gleam offers a softer, rounder auditory feedback. As a result, the effect of the bottom housing has a greater influence on the overall bottom-out sound and feel, especially when each material's properties are taken into account.

In summary, while both Gateron Ink Red and HMX Sunset Gleam switches exhibit higher-pitched sound profiles that some users may find desirable, the experience of typing on them is quite different due to their materials. The Ink Red benefits from a harmonious blend of sound characteristics across both housings, enhancing its clackiness, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more balanced sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing's subdued resonance juxtaposed with the polycarbonate top's crispness. Ultimately, the variation in materials means that while they might reach similar aural destinations in terms of higher frequencies, the pathway to those sounds and the tactile sensations derived from each switch remain uniquely defined by their housing constructions.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their tactile feedback. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch, while the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, placing it in the lightweight category. As a result, the Sunset Gleam provides a gentler typing experience that can be more comfortable for extended use, particularly during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Ink Red's heavier feel may cater to those who prefer a more substantial push, offering a sense of solid feedback with each keystroke. This variation means that the Sunset Gleam is better suited for users who prioritize a lighter touch, while the Ink Red may appeal more to users seeking a more robust sensation while typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Ink Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it align with the traditional standard that many users appreciate for its balanced feedback and depth. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to a growing preference among gamers for quicker response times. While the Ink Red provides a more substantial actuation feel, the Sunset Gleam's reduced travel distance allows for faster key presses, appealing to those who prioritize rapid execution over tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, if you lean towards a robust typing experience, the Ink Red would be the better choice, while the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who prefer speed and agility in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch presents a distinctive acoustic profile characterized by a crispy and clacky tone. This allows the switch to offer an engaging auditory experience, which many typists find rewarding. The Ink Reds are notably chirpy, adding a subtle squeak that enhances their presence, making them enjoyable for users who appreciate a bit of character in their typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam’s sound profile is less clearly defined, leaving room for speculation about its unique qualities. However, it’s known for producing a satisfying clack, particularly due to HMX's reputation for well-lubricated switches, suggesting it may provide engaging audio feedback as well.

In terms of feel, the Ink Red switches shine with their silky and polished experience. They are designed for effortless keypresses, reducing resistance to create a sense of fluidity while typing. This smoothness, combined with a mild nature, ensures a typing experience that’s approachable for both new and experienced users. The meticulous factory lubrication further enhances their refinement, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. Unfortunately, the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches remains unknown, which leaves potential users curious about how they will compare in terms of typing experience.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Red linear switches offer a well-rounded combination of sound and feel that makes them ideal for various settings, particularly for those who favor a lighter touch and a smooth, yet pleasantly clacky typing experience. While the HMX Sunset Gleam switches may also provide satisfying auditory feedback, much about their tactile nature remains uncharted. For those eager to explore mechanical keyboards, both switches represent excellent options—though the Ink Red’s established characteristics might make it a more predictable choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style should guide your decision. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, which offers a balance between comfort and feedback, the Ink Red may be ideal for you. This switch provides a smooth and silky typing experience with a neutral yet slightly chirpy sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the HMX Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice. Not only does it feature a subtle top-out and satisfying clack thanks to HMX's renowned factory lubing, but it also offers a unique feel that many typists find appealing. Ultimately, if you value a refined, polished feel and a slightly more tactile sound, the Sunset Gleam is your go-to option. In the end, the best switch for you will depend on the blend of comfort, sound, and tactile feedback that matches your personal typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more