TTC Iron vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron and HMX Sunset Gleam both stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Iron is renowned for its light actuation and pronounced clacky sound, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a responsive and enjoyable auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Its smooth travel and fatigue-free experience position it as an ideal choice for both enthusiasts and everyday users seeking precision without compromise. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a more subtle sound profile while still maintaining a satisfying clack thanks to its expertly blended materials and factory lube. This switch emphasizes a refined typing experience that caters to those who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Iron appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience and the Sunset Gleam attracting users who lean towards a plush, smooth feel with less noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Iron Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Iron and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Iron features a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This material creates a unique auditory experience that tends to resonate well with users who prefer a warmer tone. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience that can enhance the overall typing sensation. While both materials aim to deliver pleasing auditory results, they cater to different sound preferences, showcasing how diverse material choices can affect user experience.

When examining the bottom housings, both the TTC Iron and HMX Sunset Gleam also showcase different materials in their construction, impacting the sound outcomes. The Iron utilizes a POM bottom housing, which matches its top housing's sound profile, maintaining a consistent deep and muted auditory feel. This coherence between the top and bottom housings creates a unified sound experience that many typing enthusiasts may find appealing. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's bottom housing is made from nylon—a classic choice that provides a fuller and deeper sound profile, but with a softer resonance. The sound produced by the nylon housing absorbs more vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder tone, contrasting the sharper high notes from the polycarbonate top. Thus, the interaction of different materials across both models results in unique auditory experiences, demonstrating how the bottom housing influences the overall bottom-out sound.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both the TTC Iron and HMX Sunset Gleam is crucial in shaping the typing experience. Although the materials differ, the overall intent remains the same: to create an engaging and satisfying auditory response. Users of the Iron may appreciate the cohesive sound characteristics brought by matching POM materials, while those who choose the Sunset Gleam will likely enjoy the juxtaposition of a crisp top sound coupled with a fuller bottom sound. Each switch's sound profile is a reflection of its material composition; thus, while audible differences are evident, the thoughtful design present in both models ultimately seeks to provide pleasurable feedback irrespective of material contrasts.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both share similarities in their overall light feel, but they differ slightly in their force specifications. The Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires a marginally heavier actuation force of 42 grams and has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Iron switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it a better choice for prolonged typing sessions or long gaming marathons where fatigue is a concern. Conversely, the heavier actuation of the Sunset Gleam may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, both switches are categorized as light, but the TTC Iron offers a more effortless typing experience compared to the Sunset Gleam.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we notice a difference that may appeal to different user preferences. The TTC Iron features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Sunset Gleam, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.3 mm difference means that the Iron offers a more pronounced key press, which some users might find more satisfying, especially those who prefer the hearty depth associated with longer travel distances. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers or users who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness from their keys. Ultimately, while both switches can provide satisfactory performance, those who lean towards a more responsive experience may prefer the Sunset Gleam, while users looking for a deeper, more tactile feel might opt for the Iron.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by a pronounced clacky signature that produces a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This crisp, bright, and percussive quality adds an extra layer of auditory satisfaction that many typists find appealing. The resonant sound enhances the overall typing experience, making each interaction with the keyboard feel more engaging and rewarding. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound profile is not explicitly detailed, but it is noted for having a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, paired with excellent factory lube. This suggests that while both switches will deliver a pleasing auditory experience, the Iron may offer a more pronounced and vibrant sound profile compared to the more understated qualities of the Sunset Gleam.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Iron excels with its easy-to-press design that requires minimal force to activate, resulting in a gentle resistance during typing. This quality not only enhances comfort over long typing sessions but also reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extensive use. Additionally, the Iron’s buttery smooth travel contributes to a fluid typing experience. The Sunset Gleam's feel is less defined in the provided information, leaving it difficult to compare directly. However, the established qualities of the Iron, especially in terms of ease of use and smoothness, suggest that it may cater well to typists who prioritize comfort and responsiveness in their mechanical keyboard switches.

In conclusion, both the TTC Iron and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches present compelling options for typists, with the Iron standing out for its engaging clacky sound and exceptionally comfortable feel. While the Sunset Gleam offers a more muted auditory experience, its subtle characteristics can create a satisfying typing interaction, albeit with less clarity in its described qualities. Ultimately, those looking to customize their typing experience might gravitate towards the Iron for its auditory flair and smooth action, while the Sunset Gleam could attract those who prefer a more understated yet enjoyable switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, your individual preferences and typing habits will play significant roles. If you prioritize a distinctly clacky sound and an exceptionally light actuation force for fast and fatigue-free typing, the TTC Iron is likely the better choice for you. Its pronounced audio feedback and smooth travel make it perfect for those who enjoy the tactile experience and want to add a bit of auditory satisfaction to their keyboard interactions. On the other hand, if you seek a balanced typing experience with a subtle top-out and are keen on a switch that has excellent factory lubing, the HMX Sunset Gleam might suit you better. While both switches are light, the Sunset Gleam’s materials offer a more neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether you're working from home or in a shared space. Ultimately, considering sound preference and typing feel will help you determine which switch aligns better with your personal tastes and needs.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Iron Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more