Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Sunset Gleam both present compelling options, each appealing to different preferences and typing styles. The Cherry MX Brown, renowned for its subtlety, provides a light typing experience with a gentle tactile bump and minimal auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balanced feel without the noise—perfect for office environments or quiet settings. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, offers a smooth key press without any tactile feedback, designed to deliver a satisfying clack at the top-out. Its unique blend of materials enhances the overall feel, supported by HMX’s reputation for superior factory lubrication. While the Cherry MX Brown caters to typists who favor tactile sensation and muted sounds, the Sunset Gleam is ideal for users who enjoy fluid keypresses and a more pronounced auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it is evident that they differ significantly in their top housing compositions. The Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This inherent property of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a subdued acoustics that many users find pleasing for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucent qualities. This means that while the MX Brown offers a warm, rounded sound during typing, the Sunset Gleam provides a sharper, more resonant auditory feedback that can be particularly appreciated in setups featuring RGB lighting, where the translucency enhances visual effects.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the MX Brown and Sunset Gleam share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes compellingly to their sound profiles. As both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, this feature ensures a consistency in the auditory experience at the bottom-out point, where users typically feel the brunt of impact when a key is fully pressed. The nylon bottom provides that deep, full-bodied sound across both switches, creating a sense of familiarity for users who may switch between them. Ultimately, this similarity allows for a hybridized sound experience, where the MX Brown retains its characteristic warmth, while the Sunset Gleam introduces crispness above, balancing the overall sonic profile.
The combination of different top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom results in distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. For those who prefer a more subdued audible feedback, the MX Brown makes for a great choice with its nylon top and bottom contributing to a uniform sound profile. Conversely, enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced and vibrant typing response may lean towards the Sunset Gleam, which delivers this effect through its polycarbonate top while maintaining the rich sound from the nylon bottom. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own right, and the contrast in top housing materials provides users with the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their personal preferences, even while benefiting from the shared qualities of the nylon bottom.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly affect typing preferences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light, while the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the MX Brown's slightly heavier forces provide a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. Thus, those who value a softer touch may gravitate towards the HMX Sunset Gleam, whereas those who appreciate a bit more resistance might favor the Cherry MX Brown. Each switch's bottom out force reinforces its overall feel, with the Brown requiring more force throughout its travel compared to the Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cherry MX Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth that many users appreciate for its satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker keystrokes and faster response times, a preference commonly found among gamers. Thus, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy the tactile and deeper engagement of their keys might prefer the Cherry MX Brown for its longer travel distance. Overall, the Cherry MX Brown offers a more pronounced travel distance, while the Sunset Gleam caters to those who prefer a faster and potentially less abrupt response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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, Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by a bassy and low-pitched profile, delivering a deeper, richer audio feedback with each keystroke. This creates a more subdued auditory experience that many users find pleasing, especially in environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches are designed to produce a subtle top-out sound complimented by a satisfying clack, though specifics regarding their sound profile are not available. However, factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used can significantly influence the overall sound experience of both switch types.
Regarding feel, the MX Brown switches provide a textured experience, marked by a gentle tactile bump that delivers noticeable friction during typing. This can be both satisfying and beneficial for users who appreciate that tactile feedback as a guide for their keystrokes. On the other hand, details on the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches remain unknown. Nonetheless, they are recognized for their excellent factory lubrication, which should contribute to a smooth typing experience.
In summary, Cherry MX Brown switches are favored for their subtle auditory and tactile characteristics, delivering a well-balanced performance for those who enjoy a moderate typing experience with gently tactile feedback. While the HMX Sunset Gleam switches also aim for a satisfying sound profile and a smooth feel, more specific information is required to fully assess their tactile nature. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, appealing to different preferences, and could potentially yield similar satisfaction depending on individual tastes and the specific setup used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a balanced typing experience that includes a subtle tactile feedback and you appreciate a richer, bassy sound profile, the MX Brown is likely your best option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, while its textured feel adds a unique character that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch with less tactile feedback, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be more appealing. With its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and excellent factory lube, it delivers a satisfying linear feel and a crisp sound without the added texture, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or a quiet office environment. Your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile response and audio richness or whether you seek smoothness and a delightful understated sound. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on the balance of these factors based on your personal preferences.
Mentioned in this article
