Outemu Blue vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinctly different typing experiences catered to varied preferences. The Outemu Blue, renowned for its tactile feedback and audible click, appeals to typists who enjoy a more pronounced response while typing, making it ideal for those who want to feel each keystroke and receive auditory confirmation. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, brings a smooth, linear experience without the interruption of clicks. This switch is celebrated for its excellent factory lubrication and the subtle blend of materials that create a smooth top-out, making it more suitable for gamers or anyone seeking a quieter keyboard experience. Both switches have their merits: the Outemu Blue for its tactile feedback and the Sunset Gleam for its seamless operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Clicky

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam feature similar top housings made from polycarbonate, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure compared to other plastics, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound output. Both switches also capitalize on polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This compatibility with RGB lighting underscores a common aesthetic approach, as both switches are designed to allow light to pass through effectively, offering an appealing visual experience for users who value customizable lighting aesthetics.

While the top housing is consistent between the Outemu Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the bottom housing diverges, with both utilizing nylon materials. Nylon is revered for its softer properties, which effectively absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile during key presses. This fundamental difference in material composition between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall acoustic character of each switch. The contrasting qualities of nylon softening the sound while polycarbonate sharpens it create a balanced auditory experience, where the deep tones of the bottom housing are complemented by the crispness from the top.

When it comes to user experience, the dual-material construction means that while both switches will deliver similarly bright sounds when a key is released due to their matching polycarbonate tops, the feel and sound produced while bottoming out will be richer and more rounded thanks to the nylon bottoms. This distribution of acoustic attributes results in a nuanced typing experience, where the individual qualities of each material enhance the overall performance of the switches. Thus, despite the variations in the bottom construction, both the Outemu Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam maintain a cohesive auditory and tactile profile, achieved by their complementary housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Outemu Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the heavier choice between the two. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to those looking for a more comfortable typing experience during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, while the Sunset Gleam has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This suggests that users of the Sunset Gleam will experience a clear tactile boundary when pressing the key down completely, whereas the Blue's bottoming out experience is less defined. Thus, if one prefers a heavier switch with a potentially more substantial feel, the Outemu Blue is the better option, while the lighter Sunset Gleam is suited for those seeking a softer touch.

Travel distance

The Outemu Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance can impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Blue switch, with its longer distance, may provide a more tactile and pronounced feedback during use, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel, may offer quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers seeking rapid response times. Ultimately, if you favor a more substantial keystroke, you would likely prefer the Outemu Blue, whereas if you lean towards speed and efficiency, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its distinctly audible click, providing a sharp and engaging auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. This clicky sound is designed to offer feedback with each key press, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy the aural confirmation of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch produces a much quieter and more subdued sound profile. While linear switches are generally designed to be silent during operation, the Sunset Gleam is noted for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, providing a more muted response without the pronounced click of a traditional clicky switch. Both sound profiles can be affected by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the material of the keycaps used, which can further tailor the user's auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch typically offers a tactile bump that accompanies its click, creating a mechanical feedback sensation that many find preferable for typing. This tactile response can enhance typing speed and accuracy as users feel when the switch is actuated. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is streamlined for smoothness, lacking any tactile bump but providing an effortless travel through its keypress. The factory lube applied to the Sunset Gleam enhances the smoothness of the key movement, giving a very pleasant experience for those who prefer a more seamless feel without the interruption of a tactile feedback. Ultimately, users will have different preferences based on whether they enjoy tactile feedback or a smooth, uninterrupted key press.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Blue and HMX Sunset Gleam switches cater to different typing preferences, with the former emphasizing an audible and tactile experience and the latter offering smooth and subdued operation with a subtle sound. Users drawn to the clicky, tactile sensation of the Blue may find joy in its distinct audio feedback, while those who prefer linear feel and quiet operation might appreciate the HMX Sunset Gleam. Given their contrasting characteristics, whether one prefers the loud, feedback-rich experience of the Blue or the smooth, quiet nature of the Sunset Gleam, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience in unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback experience, especially for typing and gaming where you love the satisfying click sound, the Outemu Blue is an excellent choice. Its distinct clicky feedback can help enhance your typing accuracy and provide a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic typewriters. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter keystroke experience, particularly for long typing sessions, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be more suitable. With its light 48-gram bottom-out force, it allows for effortless key presses while still providing a subtle top-out feel, making it ideal for both gaming and typing without the distraction of noise. Therefore, consider what aspects you prioritize most in your typing experience, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more