Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Black and HMX Sunset Gleam offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Black, a well-established choice among enthusiasts, is renowned for its stiff actuation and low-pitched, deep sound profile, providing a textured and smooth typing experience thanks to Cherry's advanced Hyperglide tooling. This makes it ideal for users who favor a more resistant key press and enjoy the auditory feedback it provides without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, presents a modern alternative with its thoughtfully engineered materials that deliver a satisfying clack and a smooth top-out sensation, complemented by excellent factory lubrication that HMX is celebrated for. This switch appeals to those who seek a blend of acoustic enjoyment and a lighter touch for effortless keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound, they each present compelling reasons for selection. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Black Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Cherry MX Black switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Cherry MX Black incorporates a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound and dampens the acoustics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer composition of polycarbonate allows for more resonance, which enhances the clarity of the sound, making it more suitable for environments where these characteristics are desired.

While their top housings differ significantly in material, both switches share the same nylon composition for their bottom housings. This similarity means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key bottoms out. The nylon’s sound-absorbing properties ensure that the bottom-out sound remains consistent across both types of switches, contributing to a rounder acoustic experience regardless of the distinct tonal qualities introduced by their respective top housings. Thus, while pressing down on both switches may feel somewhat similar in terms of sound profile, the noticeable contrast is especially pronounced when releasing the key, where the acoustics of the top housing material play a substantial role.

In summary, the Cherry MX Black and HMX Sunset Gleam switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, thus influencing their overall sound profiles. The nylon top of the MX Black is well-suited for a deeper, more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top of the Sunset Gleam delivers a brighter and more resonant auditory experience. Conversely, their shared nylon bottom housing creates a commonality that anchors the sound produced during key presses. Consequently, if one seeks a consistent yet differentiated typing experience, the combination of these materials allows both switches to shine in their unique ways, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter resistance is perfect for users who type for longer periods or engage in extensive gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. As a result, the Cherry MX Black is better suited for those seeking a robust feel, while the HMX Sunset Gleam caters to individuals looking for comfort and ease during extended use. Thus, if one prioritizes a heavy, tactile experience, the Cherry MX Black would be the recommended choice, whereas lighter users may find the Sunset Gleam more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we observe a notable distinction: the MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference highlights the preference trends in switch design, where gamers often favor the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam for its quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for competitive gaming. In contrast, the MX Black offers a more substantial depth, which some users appreciate for a more pronounced tactile experience. Consequently, if you're seeking responsiveness and a quicker actuation, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the preferable option, while those who prefer a more traditional and deeper keystroke may opt for the Cherry MX Black.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switches offer a low-pitched typing experience, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that provides a satisfying auditory feedback during use. This sound profile is often appreciated by typists who enjoy a deeper resonance while typing. The HMX Sunset Gleam, however, is noted for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, thanks to the blend of materials used in its construction. Although a direct comparison can't be made without specific descriptors for the Sunset Gleam’s sound, it is likely that users who appreciate a distinct auditory cue when pressing keys will find satisfaction in both switches, albeit in different tonal qualities.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are recognized for their textured surface, providing noticeable friction when the keys are pressed. This texture can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a tactile sensation while typing. Additionally, the MX Black switches are known for their stiffness, requiring greater force to actuate and bottom out, which can contribute to a more deliberate typing style. In contrast, information about the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam is currently unknown, so any comparisons here will depend on personal preference and further experience with that switch.

In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black switches deliver a distinct low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam is designed with a focus on a subtle auditory experience and excellent factory lubrication that may influence its overall performance. The differences in sound and tactile feedback suggest that users may gravitate towards one switch or the other based on their specific preferences, yet those seeking deep sound and textured feel can find satisfaction in both types, albeit for different reasons. To understand the complete experience of the Sunset Gleam, additional information on its sound and tactile qualities would be beneficial.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely depends on your personal typing style and preference for key feel and sound. If you gravitate toward a robust, tactile experience and prefer a heavier actuation force—ideal for precise typing with minimal accidental keypresses—the Cherry MX Black, with its 80-gram bottom-out force and textured feel, will serve you well. It’s particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a deeper sound profile and enjoy the distinct acoustic feedback that accompanies its low-pitched tones. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a more modern design, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, could be your go-to. This switch offers a satisfying yet subtle clack, enhanced by the known quality of factory lubrication, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Furthermore, its smoothness can make it a preferred choice for gamers or those who enjoy rapid key presses. Ultimately, whether you choose the MX Black for its weight and textured feedback or the Sunset Gleam for its lightness and satisfying sound will come down to your individual typing needs and aesthetic preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

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HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more