Cherry MX Silent Red vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and HMX Sunset Gleam present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Cherry MX Silent Red is celebrated for its silent operation while retaining the slightly heavier tactile experience characteristic of MX switches, making it an ideal choice for users in noise-sensitive environments such as offices or shared spaces. With its muted, thocky sound profile, it allows for uninterrupted typing sessions without disturbing those around you. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a new dimension with its expertly crafted blend of materials that delivers a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, paired with HMX's renowned factory lubrication for exceptional smoothness. While the Sunset Gleam may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the MX Silent Red caters to those prioritizing discretion without sacrificing the tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique preferences.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the distinctions are particularly evident in the top housing. The Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating an overall experience that is quieter and less intrusive. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency, which generates a sharper and crisper sound. This material choice not only enhances the acoustic characteristics of the switch but is also aesthetically complementary, especially for setups utilizing RGB lighting. This key difference in top housing material fundamentally influences the sound experience of each switch, offering users distinctly divergent auditory feedback.

While the top housing materials differ significantly, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and HMX Sunset Gleam share the same built-in characteristic for their bottom housings; they both utilize nylon. This shared material brings about consistent acoustic qualities in terms of sound absorption, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when a user bottoms out a key. Regardless of the contrasting top materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a similar auditory character at the point of actuation. Thus, the tactile experience when pressing down on the keys remains somewhat uniform across the two models, providing that signature feeling of comfort that nylon is known for.

Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top and identical bottom housing materials in both the Cherry MX Silent Red and HMX Sunset Gleam results in a rich sound profile that bridges differences. The nylon bottom housing, contributing a consistent sound dampening effect, harmonizes well with the top housings' varied properties, delivering a unique but satisfying typing experience. While the Silent Red offers a muted, rounded auditory feedback owing to its nylon top, the Sunset Gleam presents a clear and resonant experience courtesy of its polycarbonate top. Both switches, when pressed, capitalize on the nylon in their bottoms, giving users a balanced experience that reflects the best of each material's characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam a favored choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, which can facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red lacks specific data on its bottom out force, while the Sunset Gleam has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams. Given these measurements, it's clear that while both switches are relatively close in actuation force, the Sunset Gleam has a defined heavier bottom out force, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. In conclusion, users who prefer a softer, lighter switch may gravitate towards the HMX Sunset Gleam, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might find the Cherry MX Silent Red preferable.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the MX Silent Red measuring 3.7 mm and the Sunset Gleam at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter of the two, appealing to those who prioritize quicker response times typically favored by gamers. In contrast, the MX Silent Red's longer travel distance may attract users who appreciate a more substantial feel and a sense of depth in their keystrokes. While both switches offer a linear experience, those who prefer the tactile feedback from a switch with a little more travel will find the MX Silent Red to be the better option, while the Sunset Gleam caters to those who lean towards a more agile typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, the MX Silent Red is characterized by a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound. It produces a softer and quieter noise, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments, while still delivering a rich, satisfying sound upon actuation. The Sunset Gleam, while lacking specific descriptors, is noted for its satisfying clack and the quality of sound can depend on factors like the choice of board and keycaps. Thus, while the MX Silent Red is designed for quieter use, the Sunset Gleam may provide some auditory feedback that is more pronounced, though the exact auditory experience remains unspecified.

In terms of feel, the MX Silent Red features a textured sensation that can create noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can be preferred by some typists who enjoy a tactile connection with each keystroke. The HMX Sunset Gleam, however, does not offer specific details about its tactile feedback or smoothness, leaving the overall feeling of the switch open to interpretation. If one were to prioritize a consistently smooth experience, the lack of available information on the Sunset Gleam’s feel means it’s uncertain how it might compare to the textural feedback of the MX Silent Red.

In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a defined experience with its muted sound and textured feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing auditory satisfaction. The HMX Sunset Gleam offers an intriguing alternative with its emphasis on sound that includes a satisfying clack but lacks specific details about its tactile qualities. Ultimately, if one seeks a switch that minimizes noise, the Silent Red excels at that, while the Sunset Gleam remains a potential option for those who enjoy an auditory component to their typing without clear nuances in tactile feedback being available for comparison.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Silent Red and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and environment. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared living space, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be your best choice. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile ensures a nimble typing experience that won’t disturb those around you while still delivering a satisfying “thocky” feedback. However, if you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between a tactile response and a bit of auditory satisfaction, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be the switch for you. With its factory lubrication and engaging sound, it provides a delightful “clack” that enhances your typing enjoyment without being overly loud. Ultimately, if smooth and quiet performance is your priority, opt for the MX Silent Red; if you're after a bit more character in your typing experience while still maintaining a relatively subdued sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam would serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more