Cherry MX Red vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Cherry MX Red, a well-respected linear switch, is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust and responsive typing experience that many users appreciate for its "thocky" and textured characteristics. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a fresh take on linearity with its polished, bouncy, and silky feel, coupled with a resonant auditory signature that defines its unique sound. Both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences: if you prefer a traditional, authoritative feel with a rich sound, the MX Red is an excellent choice, while the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those seeking a modern touch with smooth performance and a satisfying clack. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Red Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it's important to note a significant difference in their top housing compositions. The Cherry MX Red features a top housing made of nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound and lead to a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of the switch, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting scenarios due to its transparency.

On the other hand, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This similarity is crucial because the bottom housing affects the tactile feel and the sound produced when the key is pressed down. Both the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam will elicit that deeper sound profile typically associated with nylon when the switch bottoms out. This means that while the key release sound differs due to the top housing material, the impact of bottoming out a key will remain consistently rich and full in both switches, thanks to their common nylon bottom housing.

In summary, the discrepancies between the Cherry MX Red and HMX Sunset Gleam primarily lie in their top housing materials, influencing the sound profile experienced while typing. The nylon top of the MX Red yields a duller auditory experience, while the polycarbonate top of the Sunset Gleam provides a clearer and more resonant sound, especially favorable for RGB visibility. However, with both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistently deep and full sound upon bottoming out, ensuring a satisfying typing experience across both switch types.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a few differences emerge. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for users who type for extended periods or enjoy a lighter feel. However, the bottom-out force for the Cherry MX Red is unknown, while the Sunset Gleam has a bottom-out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This indicates that the Sunset Gleam provides a more tactile feedback when fully pressed down, catering to those who prefer a substantial typing experience. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the Sunset Gleam is overall the lighter option due to its lower actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Cherry MX Red stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam measures 3.5 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Red offers a deeper press, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback and is often favored by those who prefer a robust keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value rapid response times. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the Cherry MX Red is the longer travel switch, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam with its shorter distance may appeal more to users seeking a snappier performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The MX Red is characterized by its deep and thocky sound, producing a rich auditory depth that evokes a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" with each key press. This adds an engaging quality to typing, creating a more robust acoustic experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam offers a resonant sound profile, which is higher-pitched and sharp, delivering a clean and immersive auditory experience. While both switches provide unique sound signatures, they each enhance the typing experience differently depending on user preference and typing environment.

In terms of feel, the differences are equally pronounced. The Cherry MX Red is known for its textured feel, which can introduce a level of friction that some users may find tactile and engaging, while others might perceive it as less smooth. This texture can affect the overall typing rhythm and satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam is designed to be polished, resulting in a remarkably smooth and friction-free typing experience that allows for seamless key travel. Additionally, the Sunset Gleam provides a bouncy sensation, which offers spring-like feedback that many find pleasant. The silky finish of the Sunset Gleam further enhances this experience, making it a far smoother and more fluid option than the MX Red.

Considering both sound and feel, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and HMX Sunset Gleam will ultimately come down to personal preference. The MX Red’s deep thocky sound and textured feel may appeal to those who enjoy a more robust tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if one prefers a sharper sound profile combined with a smooth, polished, and lively feel, the Sunset Gleam is likely the better choice. Both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, but they cater to different aesthetics and tactile sensations, making the decision influenced by what qualities an individual user prioritizes most in their mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you seek a classic experience with a slightly heftier feel and a thocky sound profile, the Cherry MX Red would be an excellent choice. Its depth and robustness make it an appealing option for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel, along with a typing experience that has a bit of texture to it. On the other hand, if you prefer a modern touch with a very smooth and polished feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam is the way to go. With its lighter bottom-out force and resonant sound profile, it offers a silky and bouncy typing experience that feels more agile and responsive. If you value reduced friction and a cleaner auditory feedback while typing, the Sunset Gleam will better suit your needs. Ultimately, consider what attributes are most important to you—whether it’s the nostalgic weight and thock of the MX Red or the modern smoothness and liveliness of the Sunset Gleam—and let that guide you in making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more