Bsun Olive vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The BSUN Olive switches stand out as a tactile option, offering a pronounced feedback that enhances every keystroke. With their all-POM housings, these medium-weight switches generate a delightful resonance and a notably crisp bottom-out sound, making your typing experience not just functional but also auditory pleasing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, perfect for users who prefer a more seamless typing flow without tactile bumps. Known for their polished feel and subtle clack, the Sunset Gleam switches also benefit from HMX's excellent factory lube, contributing to a nearly frictionless experience. Choosing between the distinctively tactile responses of the Olive and the silky, bouncy feedback of the Sunset Gleam largely depends on personal preferences and use cases—whether you crave the satisfying “snap” of a tactile switch or the graceful glide of a linear one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Olive Tactile

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Bsun Olive and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches present an intriguing contrast that significantly affects their sound profiles. The Bsun Olive features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This quality allows for a rich auditory experience, providing a unique and pleasing acoustic character. In comparison, the Sunset Gleam utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which leads to a crisper, sharper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and vibrant auditory experience, making the switch particularly appealing for users who value clarity and brightness in their key presses.

The bottom housing materials also differ between the two switches, further shaping their respective sound profiles. The Bsun Olive employs a POM bottom housing, which, similar to its top housing, resonates with a deeper and more muted sound. The uniformity in material across both the top and bottom housing may lead to a cohesive auditory experience, as the properties of POM can blend well together. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound and creates a fuller, rounded auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon allows it to dampen sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that contrasts with the sharper tone produced by the polycarbonate top housing.

When pressing down on either switch, the interaction between the top and bottom housings reveals how the distinct properties of each material contribute to the overall experience. For the Olive, the impact of the POM materials in both sections means that the sound produced when bottoming out is more cohesive and deeper. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam showcases a combination of the crispness from the polycarbonate top and the fuller sound from the nylon bottom. This blend leads to a nuanced auditory experience that reflects the characteristics of both materials. Thus, while both switches provide different outcomes based on their material choices, the interplay of top and bottom housing qualities ensures that they deliver unique but distinct sound profiles tailored to user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Olive switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy category, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a better fit for those who prioritize long typing sessions or gaming stints where fatigue can be a concern. Overall, the Olive switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, which may provide a more tactile feedback, while the Sunset Gleam offers a softer response that might be preferable for extended use. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch experience would gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam, while those desiring a firmer feel might opt for the Olive.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Olive features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Olive switch provides a more responsive feel with its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed, the Bsun Olive would be the preferable choice, while those looking for a deeper typing experience may enjoy the HMX Sunset Gleam more.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the BSUN Olive switches deliver a distinctively resonant and deep auditory experience that sets them apart from many other switches. Their pronounced tactile feedback is coupled with a crisp and sharp bottom-out sound, creating an engaging typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam delivers a clean and sharp sound profile that strikes a balance between subtlety and satisfaction, featuring a satisfying clack that adds character without overpowering the overall experience. While the Olive produces a deeper tone, the Sunset Gleam contributes a higher-pitched yet immersive auditory quality, both providing unique yet enjoyable soundscapes influenced by the choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the BSUN Olive is characterized by its medium tactile profile, providing a prominent and invigorating feedback that's both snappy and sharp. This tactile switch combines a solid tactile bump with a responsive actuation force, enhancing the overall typing experience with clear, immediate feedback on each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a polished and silky feel that emphasizes a smooth typing experience with minimal friction. The bouncy nature of this switch provides a lively rebound sensation, making each keystroke feel fluid and effortless, ideal for users who prioritize a smooth yet responsive typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the BSUN Olive and the HMX Sunset Gleam comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback. The Olive captivates with its resonant and deep sound combined with pronounced tactile feedback, resulting in a stimulating and immersive typing experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam offers a polished, smooth, and bouncy feel with a cleaner sound, appealing to those who enjoy effortless key presses without sacrificing auditory satisfaction. Each switch provides a distinct experience, allowing newcomers to select based on their desired typing style and acoustic preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a pronounced and invigorating feedback, the Olive should be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many typists find rewarding, particularly if you appreciate a resonant and deep sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key feel and smooth, effortless typing with a polished finish, the Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, it offers a bouncy and silky experience that can make extended typing sessions feel more comfortable and less straining on your fingers. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness, as well as what feels best for you during day-to-day use, to make the best decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more