Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear switches. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile experience, characterized by a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, appeals to those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, making it easier to navigate touch typing and enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, offers a smoother linear experience. Known for its perfect blend of materials, this switch delivers a subtle top-out feel and a pleasurable clack, thanks in part to HMX’s impressive factory lubing, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quieter keystroke and a fluid typing experience. Both switches boast unique characteristics that cater to different preferences; 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
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-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 Purple RGB and the HMX Sunset Gleam, one can see clear distinctions between them, particularly in their top housing components. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its top housing, which characterizes the switch by contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a tone that feels more muted and rounded. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is inherently a stiffer plastic, providing a clearer, more resonant sound that emphasizes high frequencies. The visual aspect also plays a role; the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its capability to showcase RGB lighting more effectively than nylon, rendering a more vibrant aesthetic in illuminated setups.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a point of similarity between the two models, as both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for this component. This choice fosters a deeper and more satisfying sound profile, as nylon's softer makeup continues to absorb sound, ensuring that the bottom-out actuation produces a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, even though the top housings differ significantly—with nylon delivering a muted sound compared to polycarbonate's clear resonance—both switches deliver a consistent and familiar sound signature at the bottom of the key stroke. This results in an overall compatibility, where the tactile feedback and sound produced upon bottoming out remains consistent across both switches due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and HMX Sunset Gleam showcase contrasting materials in their top housings that drive differing sound profiles—nylon for a softer and fuller tone versus polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper tone—their shared nylon bottom housing allows them to converge on certain auditory characteristics. The nylon bottom in both switches is significant when it comes to the depth of sound produced during key presses, ensuring a consistent experience in this regard. Therefore, while keyboard enthusiasts may find varied sensory experiences in their initial actuation and release due to the differing top materials, the bottom housing creates a foundational similarity that both switches can draw upon, ensuring they fulfill different auditory needs while sharing certain qualities.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Cherry MX Purple RGB a heavier option compared to the Sunset Gleam, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, making it difficult to compare this specific aspect with the HMX Sunset Gleam's bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while we can derive that the actuation force of the Sunset Gleam is lower, we can't determine how the bottoming out experience compares between the two switches. Those who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Sunset Gleam an appealing choice, whereas users who enjoy the tactile feedback of a heavier actuation force might lean toward the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Cherry MX Purple RGB featuring a travel distance of 4 mm and the HMX Sunset Gleam at 3.5 mm. This distinction means that the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a deeper, more pronounced keystroke, which can be appealing for those who favor a tactile feedback experience. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, provides a snappier response time, making it an attractive option for gamers who benefit from quicker key actuation. Ultimately, users who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Sunset Gleam, while those who appreciate a substantial keystroke may find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more satisfying. In this comparison, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has the longer travel distance, while the HMX Sunset Gleam has the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch is not explicitly defined, but generally, Cherry switches tend to produce a satisfying and moderate sound, with their tactile bump creating a distinct, albeit not overly loud, audible feedback. In comparison, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, providing a more pronounced auditory response that some may find more enjoyable for key presses. Like many switches, the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, mounting, and keycaps, which can alter the acoustics and impact the final sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile sensation, highlighted by a short, medium-strength bump that gives satisfying feedback without being excessively intrusive. This tactile experience is designed for users who appreciate a discernible response during key presses without a rigid bottom-out feel. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is designed to provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who prefer a seamless pressing experience. The factory lubrication enhances this experience, reducing friction and resulting in an effortless keypress that feels satisfying in its own right.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is ideal for users who enjoy a tactile experience with moderate sound, while the HMX Sunset Gleam caters to those who prefer a smooth and satisfying linear action accompanied by a more pronounced auditory feedback. Depending on what a newcomer values—tactility versus linearity, or subtleness versus pronounced sound—these switches can cater effectively to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, and you want to feel a noticeable bump when the switch actuates, the MX Purple RGB is your go-to choice. Its design offers a refined tactile experience that many typists find satisfying and effective, particularly if you're engaging in a lot of text entry or programming where tactile feedback can improve accuracy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keypress without any tactile resistance, or if you prioritize a quieter typing experience for late-night work or gaming sessions, the HMX Sunset Gleam's linear characteristics make it an excellent option. With its light bottom-out force and satisfying sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy fluid keystrokes and the absence of bumps. Ultimately, choosing between these switches should align with your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard, ensuring that your setup enhances both your productivity and enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
