Gateron Mars vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the HMX Sunset Gleam both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Gateron Mars is renowned for its unique design that incorporates a POK stem and a hybrid housing made from Nylon and POM, offering a distinct feel that is both responsive and durable. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, shines with its superb material blend that allows for a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, further enhanced by the exceptional factory lubrication HMX provides. While the Mars switch prioritizes innovative engineering for a refined and controlled keystroke, the Sunset Gleam emphasizes an auditory experience without compromising on smoothness. Choosing between these two linear switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, whether you prioritize unique design and durability or a pleasing auditory feedback and factory polish. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and HMX Sunset Gleam switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct auditory experiences. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for imparting a deeper, fuller sound profile to the switch. This is due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound effectively, creating a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thus enhancing the clarity and resonance of the typing experience. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making the Sunset Gleam visually more striking when illuminated.
On the flip side, the bottom housing materials present an intriguing contrast. The Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to an overall sound that is notably deeper and more muted. This quality deepens the unique sound signature of the Mars, effectively combining with the nylon top to produce a comprehensive auditory experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam has a nylon bottom housing. Like the nylon top, this material similarly offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, while the top housing of the Sunset Gleam provides a crisper sound, the nylon bottom mitigates this with a classic dampening effect. Despite the different top housing materials, the sound produced by the Sunset Gleam maintains a more balanced mix between clarity and warmth.
When considering the combination of these materials, it becomes evident that each switch's overall sound profile is influenced by both the top and bottom housings. Since the Mars combines a nylon top with a POM bottom, the switch evokes a richer, more rounded sound, whereas the Sunset Gleam, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, consistently delivers a unique auditory experience that merges clarity with depth. The separate contributions of the housing materials mean that while each switch will deliver distinctive typographic feedback and sound, enthusiasts can still achieve a pleasing typing experience across both models. Ultimately, the interplay between top and bottom materials means that both switches can satisfy different auditory and tactile preferences in their users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams; however, its bottom out force is not specified, leaving users uncertain about the resistance felt when fully pressed down. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press down initially. However, it has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger force to fully engage the key. This means that while the Mars switch may provide a softer touch up to its unknown bottom out, the Sunset Gleam offers a more definitive resistance once bottomed out. For those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming, the HMX Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while users looking for a potentially heavier feel might gravitate towards the Gateron Mars, depending on its unknown bottom out characteristics. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option when considering actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it is evident that the Mars switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures at 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference indicates that if you're seeking a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth, the Gateron Mars would be the preferable choice. Conversely, if you lean towards responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam could offer a quicker actuation suited for fast-paced gaming. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Mars provides a more pronounced feel when pressed down, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly more abrupt response. Ultimately, your preference for the type of feedback and actuation speed will dictate which switch might be best for your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is noted for its subtlety. While specific descriptions are not provided, Gateron switches typically produce a smooth and soft sound that pairs well with various keycap materials and keyboard types, allowing for a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is characterized by a satisfying clack, which suggests a more pronounced auditory feedback upon actuation. This difference in sound can significantly influence the overall typing experience, with the Sunset Gleam potentially providing a more engaging auditory sensation while the Mars offers a quieter approach that may be preferable in shared or quiet environments.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch features a unique design that combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This combination typically results in a smooth keystroke and a satisfying linear travel without any tactile bumps or clicks. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam has garnered attention for its excellent factory lubrication, which enhances the smoothness of the key press. This lubrication likely contributes to a plush, gliding feel during typing, making it pleasant for extended use. Both switches emphasize a smooth linear experience, but the added lube on the Sunset Gleam may provide a slightly elevated level of luxuriousness in feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Mars leans towards a quieter, smoother sound and feel, ideal for users who prioritize discretion and ease of use. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam offers a more noticeable sound and a luxuriously smooth typing experience, thanks to its factory lubrication. Ultimately, while there are distinctions between the two, both aim to provide satisfying linear actions, allowing users to choose according to their desired auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lightweight feel with a unique stem design and a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Gateron Mars might be the better option for you, especially if you're looking for a more muted sound profile. This switch excels in providing a seamless typing experience that many users find enjoyable for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you find some satisfaction in tactile feedback and a slight auditory response while typing, the HMX Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice. With its heavier bottom-out force and the distinctive sounds produced by its well-engineered materials and factory lubrication, the Sunset Gleam will cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel and a noticeable clack. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value a soft and silent operation or a slightly heavier and more responsive typing experience.
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