Gateron Luciola vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as two attractive linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Gateron Luciola is not just visually striking with its glow-in-the-dark design, but it also offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, perfect for users seeking an engaging and responsive experience. Its unique sound profile, reminiscent of a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken,” adds an element of auditory enjoyment to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, impresses with its carefully chosen materials that provide a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack. Enhanced by excellent factory lube, these switches promise a nuanced and refined typing experience that many users appreciate. While both switches boast their own set of appealing characteristics, selecting the right one ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Sunset Gleam, notable differences can be observed in their construction and the sound profiles they deliver. The Luciola employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, known for producing a pointed, high-pitched sound that users often describe as "clacky." This distinctive auditory character is a result of the blend's unique properties, which seem to favor a lighter, more resonant quality. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which similarly delivers a higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized as sharper and crisper. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of sounds produced, particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both housing types yield a higher-pitched auditory result, they each bring slightly different nuances to the sound due to their material properties.

The bottom housings of the two switches present a more striking contrast. The Luciola's bottom housing continues the trend of utilizing the proprietary INK blend, resulting in a sound profile similar to its top housing—pointed and high-pitched, yet with a satisfying level of "clack." On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch material known to elicit a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference arises primarily from nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs reverberations more effectively, leading to a more muted and rounded sound. In essence, while the Luciola’s bottom housing maintains a cohesive sound experience with its top housing, the Sunset Gleam's nylon base introduces a contrasting warmth that rounds out its overall typing experience.

Overall, the results achieved by each switch can be understood in light of their distinct material combinations. In the case of the Gateron Luciola, both the top and bottom housings contribute to an elevated yet coherent sound profile, making for a unique experience that emphasizes clarity and brightness. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam achieves a blend of sharpness from its polycarbonate top and depth from its nylon bottom, creating a rich and multifaceted sound experience. Even with these differences, both switches offer a high-pitched auditory experience, demonstrating that varying materials can yield similar overall sound characteristics while maintaining their unique appeals.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Luciola requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Overall, individuals seeking a softer touch may gravitate towards the HMX Sunset Gleam, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke might opt for the Gateron Luciola. Thus, the Luciola is the heavier option, while the Sunset Gleam is the lighter switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Luciola offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option by a marginal 0.1 mm. For gamers or users who prioritize quick responsiveness, the Sunset Gleam may be more appealing due to its shorter travel, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, some users might appreciate the slightly deeper feel of the Luciola's travel distance, which provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, with the shorter Sunset Gleam potentially feeling more abrupt and the longer Luciola offering a more robust sense of depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a distinctive auditory profile that includes elements described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. This combination results in a sharp and snappy sound when a key is pressed, akin to the sound of two billiard balls colliding or the resonating effect of tapping on marble, enhancing the overall typing experience with its vibrant acoustics. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound characteristics are currently unknown, but they are reputed to feature an excellent factory lube, which may influence their sound profile to be more muted or refined compared to the more colorful sound of the Luciola.

In terms of feel, the Luciola switch is characterized by its medium heft and a typing experience that is smooth and bouncy. Its snappy and buttery descriptors highlight a responsive and fluid keystroke, providing a lively interaction with each press. Additionally, the polished nature suggests a refined typing experience with minimal friction. The HMX Sunset Gleam's feel is also currently unknown. However, with noteworthy factory lubrication mentioned, it's possible they aim for a similar smooth and satisfying tactile sensation, even if the exact qualities remain unspecified.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola is recognized for its engaging sound and responsive feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam presents an air of mystery with its sound and feel characteristics yet to be fully explored. The Luciola's vibrant sound and dynamic typing experience stand out, while the Sunset Gleam, with its impressive material quality and factory lube, could potentially cater to those seeking a different tactile and acoustic experience. If you're looking for a choice between these two, the Luciola is a safe bet for vibrant engagement, while the Sunset Gleam presents an intriguing option that may still provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with more unknowns.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile, medium-heft switch with a unique sound profile that can be described as clacky and chirpy, then the Luciola is a splendid choice. The added feature of glowing in the dark adds an aesthetic appeal for those who appreciate visually striking elements in their setup. Its heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams also makes it a solid option for typists who prefer a more substantial feel, enhancing typing precision and feedback, particularly for those who engage in programming or writing-intensive tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch with a subtle yet satisfying acoustic character, the HMX Sunset Gleam might be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and factory lube contributing to a smooth typing experience, this switch excels at providing a comfortable and enjoyable feel, particularly for gamers or fast typists who benefit from rapid key presses and a less strenuous hand movement. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the distinctive characteristics of the Luciola or the sleek efficiency of the Sunset Gleam, both switches offer excellent qualities that cater to different styles and preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more