Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Sunset Gleam represent two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Moyu Black is a tactile switch renowned for its sharp and pronounced feedback, delivering an exhilarating typing experience characterized by its hypertactile sensation and satisfying sound profile. With its robust PBT housing and a firm tactile bump that creates an abrupt bottom-out, this switch is an excellent choice for typists who crave a more engaging and interactive feel when typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a smooth, linear experience that emphasizes comfort and a polished, bouncy feel. Its carefully crafted materials and excellent factory lubrication make it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience and a seamless keypress without the interruptions of tactile feedback. Whether you prioritize the pronounced tactile feedback of the Moyu Black or the silky smoothness of the Sunset Gleam, each switch offers its own unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Sunset Gleam present differing approaches to housing materials that influence both their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Moyu Black utilizes a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, which is known for its balanced and neutral sound profile. This choice results in a typing experience that is neither overly crisp nor dull; instead, it maintains a certain level of warmth that can be appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and higher-pitched sound. This stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall acoustic feedback during key presses, and making it particularly optimal for setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When looking at the bottom housings of both switches, the differences continue to reveal how material selection shapes the overall typing experience. The Moyu Black features a PBT bottom housing, which complements its top housing by maintaining that neutral sound profile. With an absence of crispness, the PBT material supports a soft and balanced key feel, creating a satisfying bottom-out experience without overwhelming resonance. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam opts for a nylon bottom housing that is recognized for producing a deeper, fuller sound. This material absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer nature, yielding a rounder auditory character that contrasts with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. This distinction means that while the Moyu Black may deliver a cohesive experience, the Sunset Gleam is likely to produce a sound that resonates more profoundly, enhancing feedback during both key presses and releases.
In summarizing the overall sound and feel derived from these two switches, we observe the impact of differing materials on user experience. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound profile during the release phase, the bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The Everglide Moyu Black achieves a consistent and uniform auditory result through its use of matching PBT in both top and bottom housing, promoting a soft and neutral typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam combines the contrasting acoustic characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon, resulting in a more dynamic sound interaction that caters to users seeking pronounced audible feedback. Ultimately, while each switch caters to distinct preferences, those who appreciate a cohesive and neutral response may find joy in the Moyu Black, while those searching for a sharper and richer soundscape could favor the Sunset Gleam.
Weight
Comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch reveals notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Moyu Black requires more effort to actuate and bottom out compared to the Sunset Gleam, making it better suited for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the lighter Sunset Gleam can result in less strain during extended typing sessions, which may appeal to users who value comfort and speed. Overall, if you are seeking a heavier switch for a more substantial feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the preferable choice, whilst the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Moyu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Moyu Black offers a longer travel distance, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses, which can provide a hearty and satisfying feel. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Sunset Gleam may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness, as it allows for quicker actuation and potentially faster response times during use. Thus, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the traditional depth of the Moyu Black or the more responsive, shorter travel of the Sunset Gleam.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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, both the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches exhibit a resonant quality, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. The Moyu Blacks produce a satisfyingly sharp, punchy sound during key presses, which resonates distinctly and adds to that premium tactile experience. Similarly, the Sunset Gleam offers a clean and sharp sound that complements its linear nature, making for a pleasant auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Therefore, users can expect a clean and resonant typing experience from both switches, although the Moyu Blacks may have a more pronounced punch associated with their tactile engagement.
In terms of feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) delivers a sharp and accented tactile response, making every key press feel distinctly engaging. Its strong downstroke bump offers a punchy sensation, while the uniquely sharper upstroke bump creates a hypertactile experience that is both satisfying and vibrant. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is designed for a smoother, more polished experience. With its bouncy and silky characteristics, this linear switch promises an elastic feedback sensation with minimal friction, resulting in a smooth key travel that can mitigate fatigue during extended typing sessions. While one switch is focused on delivering a pronounced tactile feedback, the other leans heavily on a refined and smooth typing experience, giving each their own appeal depending on personal preferences.
In conclusion, while both the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and HMX Sunset Gleam switches bring unique attributes to the table, they cater to different user experiences. The Moyu Blacks are perfect for typists who appreciate sharp tactile feedback and a punchy sound profile, whereas the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who prefer a smoother, more polished feel with a satisfying auditory element. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a hypertactile sensation or a silky and bouncy experience, showcasing the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy feel, the Moyu Black would be an excellent choice. Its sharp tactile bump and resonant sound profile provide a satisfying experience that enhances your keystrokes, making it a great fit for typists who appreciate a punchy, tactile response and enjoy the clarity of each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer smooth, effortless transitions between key presses, the Sunset Gleam is likely the way to go. Its lighter bottom-out force and bouncy, polished feel deliver a seamless typing experience, perfect for those who favor quick responsiveness and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. Thus, consider your typing habits: for a tactile sensation that engages your fingers and provides feedback with every press, lean towards the Moyu Black, while for a fluid and swift typing experience, the Sunset Gleam would be a happier match.