Cherry Nixie vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as two enticing linear options, each offering a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Cherry Nixies are celebrated for their substantial heft and textured feel, drawing on a rich legacy within the keyboard community. Thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update, these switches seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, delivering a thocky and low-pitched sound that many find satisfying during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a contemporary take with its thoughtfully designed materials, creating a subtle top-out and a gentle yet pleasing clack. The factory lube enhances this experience, ensuring smooth operation right out of the box. While the Nixies evoke a classic nostalgia and texture, the Sunset Gleam excels in providing a modern aesthetic and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry Nixie and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, a significant distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Nixie utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves effectively, resulting in a rounded, muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and more transparent, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clarity offered by polycarbonate creates a more resonant sound, particularly when used in conjunction with RGB lighting, accentuating the aesthetic appeal of the switch. Thus, while both switches serve functional purposes, the use of nylon in the Nixie and polycarbonate in the Sunset Gleam creates distinctly different auditory characteristics.
However, when we examine the bottom housings of both switches, consistency emerges. Both the Cherry Nixie and HMX Sunset Gleam feature nylon for their bottom housings, which ensures that both switches retain the ability to deliver that deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for. The material's capacity to absorb sound further contributes to a softer bottom-out feel, which is an important aspect for those who prioritize comfort during typing. As a result, while the top housings create contrasting acoustic profiles, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings means that both switches will likely yield a similar tactile experience and sound when fully depressed.
Ultimately, the overall performance of the Cherry Nixie and HMX Sunset Gleam is influenced by the interplay between their respective top and bottom housing materials. The combination of the Nixie’s nylon top and bottom houses creates a unified sound characteristic, leading to a well-rounded acoustic output. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam achieves a unique sound signature through its polycarbonate top housing's resonance paired with the nylon bottom. Therefore, while one can expect a deeper sound with the Nixie and a brighter sound with the Sunset Gleam when they are pressed, the user experience will include both distinct and overlapping elements of tactile feedback and acoustic performance based on the materials selected for each switch type.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Nixie features an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam offers a much lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who favor a less strenuous keystroke, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the Nixie is the heavier switch while the Sunset Gleam is the lighter choice. This significant difference in force requirements means that users will experience a distinct typing feel depending on which switch they choose, with the Nixie providing a firmer resistance and the Sunset Gleam promoting a more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distinction in travel distance may significantly influence user experience, particularly for those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel when typing or gaming. While the Nixie offers a more traditional depth that some may find satisfying, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Sunset Gleam caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. These preferences highlight the contrast between the two switches; the Nixie provides a more pronounced keystroke, while the Sunset Gleam aims for speed and responsiveness with its shorter distance. Thus, the choice between the two ultimately boils down to the user's preference for depth versus rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched tonal characteristics, which provide a deep, rich auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This switch produces a resonant thud or soft knock when pressed and released, contributing to an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound characteristics remain unknown; however, given its whisper of a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, it may offer a more pronounced but still refined auditory profile. Keep in mind that the sound quality of any switch is also significantly affected by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie is described as textured, offering a typing experience with noticeable friction that can add a tactile dimension to every key press. This feature can enhance the engagement for users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when typing. The HMX Sunset Gleam's feel characteristics, however, are not specified, leaving its texture and feedback unknown. Despite the lack of information on the Sunset Gleam, it’s plausible that its additional manufacturing refinements and factory lubrication may allow it to provide a smooth experience.
In summary, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience thanks to its thocky sound and textured feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam remains an enigma, particularly in these aspects. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, if you choose the Nixie, you can expect a rich and satisfying typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam may surprise with its own unique qualities once fully explored. Both have their merits, and ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference and the specific setup of your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier switch with an 80-gram bottom-out force and appreciate a textured feel along with a deep, thocky sound, the Nixie is your ideal choice. Its substantial heft can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy the nostalgia of classic switches, making it suitable for extended typing sessions where you seek comfort and a satisfying sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 48-gram bottom-out force, the HMX Sunset Gleam provides a smoother typing experience with its subtle top-out sound and well-executed factory lube. This switch is perfect for rapid typing or gaming, where speed and responsiveness are essential, and the lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue over time. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and whether you prioritize sound, feel, or weight in your keyboard setup.
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