Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different needs and preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch stands out with its unparalleled rapid response and low spring resistance, making it an optimal choice for gamers who rely on swift key actuation to enhance their performance in high-stakes scenarios. Characterized by its textured feel and low-pitched, thocky sound, the Speed Silver not only delivers on speed but also provides a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, introduces a unique blend of materials that ensures a subtle top-out with a delightful clack, paired with HMX's renowned factory lube for smooth operation. While the Sunset Gleam may not be as focused on pure speed, it offers a nuanced typing experience that many users find enjoyable for both gaming and typing alike. Both switches have their merits, catering to distinct preferences in responsiveness and auditory feedback; 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the HMX Sunset Gleam, a striking contrast can be seen in their top housings. The Cherry MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound effectively. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly well-suited for setups involving RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion. As a result, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver may deliver a more muted auditory experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam aims for a more vibrant and resonant output.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns their profiles more than one might initially expect. The nylon bottom housing for both switches enables a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the characteristics showcased by the Cherry MX Speed Silver's top housing. As a result of this shared material, the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch will be influenced primarily by the nylon composition, ensuring that the tactile feedback during keystrokes remains consistent across both models. This suggests that users looking for a more rounded typing experience will find a commonality in the feel of both switches, despite their differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these two switch types leads to a distinctive sound experience that correlates with their intended use. With nylon on the bottom for both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and HMX Sunset Gleam contributing to a consistent and deep sound profile during key presses, the primary divergence lies in the top housing, where the auditory characteristics differ significantly. This nuanced construction means that typists can expect a blend of results: a fuller sound on bottom outs from both, and distinctly different sonic qualities on release, with the Cherry MX Speed Silver offering a more subdued tone compared to the brighter and crisper sound of the HMX Sunset Gleam. Thus, each switch caters to different auditory preferences, even as they share similarities in their bottom housing composition.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the HMX Sunset Gleam's lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Speed Silver may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is currently unknown, whereas the Sunset Gleam has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a stronger resistance at the end of the keystroke. In summary, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the heavier option due to its higher actuation force, while the HMX Sunset Gleam is lighter both in actuation and bottom out force, providing a different tactile experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Speed Silver offers a shorter travel distance, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, may cater to users who prefer the reassurance of a deeper keypress that feels less abrupt. Both options align with the trend of shorter travel distances in modern switches, yet they provide distinct experiences based on individual preferences for responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched qualities. This results in a deep and satisfying auditory feedback whenever a key is pressed, providing a sense of a solid engagement. The bass-heavy tone can be quite pleasing, especially for gamers and typists who appreciate a pronounced acoustic response as they type. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound profile is currently unknown, making it challenging to directly compare it to the Speed Silver. However, sound can also be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, so users may find that sound preferences may vary depending on their specific setup.
In the realm of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured experience, which means that users may encounter noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture can enhance feedback during quick typing or gaming sessions, allowing for a more engaged experience. As for the HMX Sunset Gleam, its tactile characteristics remain unspecified, leaving its feel a mystery for now. Thus, if you enjoy a textured feel while typing or gaming, the Speed Silver may be more aligned with your preferences until more information about the Sunset Gleam's feel is released.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch excels with its thocky sound and textured feel, making it a standout option for rapid response and tactile satisfaction, particularly for gamers. The HMX Sunset Gleam offers a blend of materials that might appeal to users seeking a different experience, but without concrete sound or feel details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, if rapid response and satisfying sound are priorities, the Speed Silver holds a significant advantage, while the potential of the Sunset Gleam remains to be fully explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer or someone who prioritizes rapid response time, the Speed Silver is an exceptional pick. Its lightweight action and low spring resistance allow for instant actuation, making it advantageous for fast-paced gaming situations where every millisecond counts. Additionally, with its thocky sound profile and textured feel, it offers a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, though you might notice some distinct friction in every keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a switch that provides a lighter touch with a more refined auditory experience, the Sunset Gleam could be your ideal choice. It has a slightly heavier bottom-out force that offers a balance between responsiveness and control, perfect for both casual typing and gaming without the same urgency as the Speed Silver. Moreover, the smoothness and excellent factory lube result in a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, reflect on how you plan to use your keyboard—whether intensely gaming or enjoying daily typing tasks—to choose the switch that will best enhance your experience.
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