KTT Orange vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can profoundly affect your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The KTT Orange Switch is lauded for its bouncy feel, characterized by a 22mm long spring that offers a unique tactile experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a lively and frictionless typing experience. With its polycarbonate milky top housing and vivid orange nylon bottom, the KTT Orange not only performs well but also stands out visually. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also a linear switch, is designed to deliver a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, achieving a perfect balance between smoothness and auditory feedback. Known for its exceptional factory lube and carefully selected materials, the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who desire a refined typing sensation without sacrificing auditory pleasure. Both switches have their unique advantages: the KTT Orange offers bounciness and a low-pitched sound profile, while the HMX Sunset Gleam provides a satisfying auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Orange and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that are characteristic of this material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, which both switches showcase. This similarity means that when either switch is engaged, users can expect clear and resonant sound, particularly when RGB lighting is employed due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. The implementation of a polycarbonate top housing in both switches not only ensures functional sound qualities but enhances aesthetic appeal, providing vibrant illumination for a visually engaging typing experience.

However, the contrasts between the two switches become evident in their bottom housing materials. While the KTT Orange also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the HMX Sunset Gleam opts for nylon. This fundamental difference leads to varied auditory experiences during operation. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a clearer sound profile even in its bottom housing. In contrast, nylon's softer nature tends to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound signature, which alters both the auditory feedback and the bottom-out feel. Consequently, while the KTT Orange maintains a more consistent sharpness in sound throughout, the HMX Sunset Gleam delivers a rounded experience that emphasizes a rich acoustic quality during key presses.

Ultimately, the distinct top housing materials of both switches result in an overlapping sonic experience, while their contrasting bottom housings contribute unique auditory characteristics. When a user actuates either switch, the top polycarbonate housing of both units molds their high-end sound signature, thereby providing a compelling clarity, regardless of the bottom housing's material. Meanwhile, in the case of the Sunset Gleam, the nylon bottom enhances the overall experience with a warmth that complements the crisper notes of the polycarbonate top. Therefore, even as the switches differ in material, the resulting sound profiles blend the strengths of both approaches to create enjoyable typing experiences tailored to user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT Orange boasts an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam the lighter option overall. The lighter actuation force of the Sunset Gleam can lead to reduced finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, making it a preferable choice for those seeking a more effortless experience. Meanwhile, those who favor a stronger push feel may find the KTT Orange more satisfying due to its heavier forces; the increased resistance provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide satisfactory options, the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those seeking a lighter touch, while the KTT Orange is better suited for those who appreciate a firmer key feel.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This uniformity in travel distance contributes to a consistent typing experience, regardless of the switch choice. Thus, both switches provide the same level of responsiveness and key feel, offering users a comparable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Orange linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This sound is typically softer and less intrusive, making it pleasant for both typists and those in shared spaces. The subtlety of the KTT Orange is enhanced by the quality of its components, resulting in a smooth auditory experience during use. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam also has unique sound qualities that are described as producing a subtle top-out and satisfying clack. While specific descriptors for the Sunset Gleam’s sound aren't available, the promise of a clack suggests a greater emphasis on an auditory feedback that can stand out, offering a sharper contrast to the Orange's low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the sound of both switches may depend on the overall keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps, but you can expect the KTT Orange to be quieter while the Sunset Gleam may provide a more pronounced auditory experience.

When considering feel, the KTT Orange excels with its bouncy nature and frictionless experience. The 22mm long spring creates a lively rebound effect that contributes to the overall engaging feel when typing. This switch provides an effortless sensation, allowing for smooth key travel that minimizes resistance, catering to those who seek a responsive typing experience. In contrast, little is known about the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Given that both switches feature excellent factory lubing, it can be inferred that the Sunset Gleam may also provide a smooth experience, but its specific characteristics are currently unknown.

In summary, both the KTT Orange and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Orange thrives in delivering a soft, low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless feel, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam's unique clack and potential responsive feel add a different dimension that may appeal to those who prefer auditory feedback. While both switches benefit from factory lubing leading to smooth operation, the choice between them ultimately comes down to individual preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and desired feel. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation with a bouncy and frictionless experience, the KTT Orange is an excellent choice. Its 53-gram bottom-out force provides a lively feedback that can enhance your typing speed and comfort, especially during long sessions. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile creates a more relaxed auditory environment, making it suitable for quieter spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a subtle, satisfying clack with a slightly softer feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam with its 48-gram bottom-out force could be the right fit for you. This switch’s blend of materials offers a unique top-out experience that many users find enjoyable, especially if you value a smooth yet responsive keystroke. Ultimately, both switches are solid choices, but aligning them with your preferences for actuation force, sound, and tactile feedback will help you create the perfect mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more