Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as compelling options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Ink Yellow is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a feel akin to laptop keys while still enjoying the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard. Its neutral tone coupled with a delightful clackiness creates a balanced experience ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam—also known as the Duck Duck switch—features a harmonious blend of materials that ensures a pleasant subtle top-out and a satisfying sound, bolstered by HMX's renowned factory lubrication. While the Ink Yellow appeals to users seeking a swift, smooth typing sensation, the Sunset Gleam caters to those who value both acoustics and a premium feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch aligns perfectly with your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Sunset Gleam housing materials, a significant distinction arises from their top housing compositions. The Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. This characteristic grants it a unique auditory texture that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, resulting in a sound profile that can complement RGB lighting beautifully due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both switch tops aim to deliver a higher-pitched sound, suggesting that users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic response will appreciate both options, albeit with subtle variations in tone and clarity.
Another area of contrast lies in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Ink Yellow's bottom housing, again crafted from the proprietary INK blend, shares a similar pointed sound profile as its top counterpart. This consistency means that typists can expect a relatively cohesive auditory experience throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam employs a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder audible response. This fundamental difference in sound absorption and resonance creates a unique typing feel for each switch, with the Ink Yellow offering a more linked auditory experience and the Sunset Gleam providing a richer acoustic depth.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two different housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in the overall typing performance. For the Gateron Ink Yellow, the consistent use of the INK blend across both top and bottom facilitates a seamless auditory signature that prioritizes a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam's combination of a stiff polycarbonate top and soft nylon bottom creates a distinct sound dynamic, merging sharpness with depth. Typists looking for a comparable experience between the two switches may take note of the Ink Yellow's focused sound and the Sunset Gleam's more varied acoustic texture, ultimately allowing them to choose based on personal preference for sharpness or depth in their keystroke sounds.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Yellow features a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which makes it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Ink Yellow is better for users seeking a firmer feedback, while the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who enjoy lighter switches. Overall, users will experience a stark contrast in typing feel between these two switches, with the Ink Yellow being the heavier choice and the Sunset Gleam providing a lighter experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect similar results when pressing down on either switch. This identical travel distance ensures that both switches provide the same feel and responsiveness during keyboard use, allowing for consistent typing experiences. As both switches are designed with the same travel distance, neither can be categorized as shorter or longer, making them equal in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow switch presents a neutral auditory profile complemented by its clacky nature. This means it produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation, providing a crisp, bright experience that is pleasant for both casual typing and more serious use, whether at home or in an office setting. The Ink Yellow's combination of a moderate sound level and pronounced clack makes it versatile. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam is currently unknown, but given its reputation, one might expect it to feature a desirable acoustic signature that emphasizes a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, backed by the good factory lubrication known from HMX switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch impresses with its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle yet refined typing experience. This makes the switch approachable for users ranging from beginners to seasoned typists, as it balances sound and tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. The polished finish adds to the smooth key travel, minimizing friction during use. The tactile feel of the Sunset Gleam remains unspecified, though it may similarly offer a smooth ride, particularly due to HMX's commitment to quality and factory lubrication which typically enhances overall feel.
In summary, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, although detailed information about the Sunset Gleam's sound and feel remains unknown. The Ink Yellow is known for its clackiness and smooth operation, making it versatile for various use cases while providing a balanced typing experience. If the Sunset Gleam can deliver on the expectations of a refined sound and feel, it could provide a strong alternative to the Ink Yellow, particularly if you favor a subtle and satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, users can expect pleasant results from either switch, depending on their specific preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches should ultimately reflect your personal preferences in typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a unique typing experience bridging the gap between laptops and traditional mechanical keyboards, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. Its pleasant smoothness, clacky sound, and slight bottoming-out force of 67 grams make it well-suited for a variety of environments, whether at home or the office. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch that provides a softer touch, the Sunset Gleam is ideal. With a bottom-out force of 48 grams and its refined factory lube, it delivers a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you desire a more pronounced, tactile feedback with greater resistance or a gentler, smoother typing experience. Either way, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
