Outemu Crystal Brown vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct experiences suited to different typing styles and preferences. The Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, is often favored for its pronounced feedback, allowing typists to feel a noticeable bump at the actuation point, promoting a more engaged typing experience. This tactile response makes it an attractive choice for those who enjoy typing with precision and want to reduce the chances of accidental key presses. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypress and lack of tactile feedback, providing a fluid typing experience free from the interruptions of bumps or clicks. Its well-constructed materials ensure a gratifying sound with each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more seamless input method. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing tactile response while the other focuses on smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal Brown and HMX Sunset Gleam switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. This material's stiffer nature results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, creating an overall clear and resonant auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the brightness of RGB lighting effects but also plays a key role in delivering a bright and engaging aesthetic component to the switches. As such, users can expect a similar auditory response from both switches when considering the characteristics of their top housings, resulting in a positive and visually appealing experience, particularly for those who enjoy customizable lighting.

On the contrary, the comparison of the bottom housings reveals a different but consistent approach in the choice of materials. Both the Crystal Brown and Sunset Gleam switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. Known for its softer and more absorbent properties, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This characteristic is vital since the bottom housing predominantly influences the sound and feel when the switch reaches its bottom-out point. Therefore, users will experience a rounded and mellow auditory quality with each keystroke, as both models rely on the common traits offered by nylon, ensuring a uniformity in the tactile and auditory feedback during typing.

In summary, while the top housings of the Outemu Crystal Brown and HMX Sunset Gleam switches are identical in material, their nylon bottom housings further unify their performance. The combined effect ensures a sharper, resonant sound when the key is released, alongside a fuller, deeper sound upon bottoming out. This harmonious blend of polycarbonate and nylon in both models highlights the thoughtful design employed in these switches, making them suitable for users seeking not only aesthetic appeal through RGB lighting but also a rich auditory experience during use.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam is easier to press down and bottom out, catering to users who prefer a lighter experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown, being heavier, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a firmer feedback when typing. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sunset Gleam stands out as the lighter choice with lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Crystal Brown offers a more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the differences are notable. The Crystal Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more traditional and deeper feel when pressed. This can be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile experience and appreciate the substantial feedback from each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to a quicker response time that many gamers prefer for rapid gameplay. For those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel may be the better option, while those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response might opt for the Crystal Brown's deeper 4 mm travel. Thus, in summary, the Outemu Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the HMX Sunset Gleam, making them suitable for different preferences in the typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch has no notable auditory characteristics highlighted, which suggests it may produce a relatively standard sound profile familiar to many tactile switches. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam is recognized for its unique blend of materials that delivers a subtle top-out followed by a satisfying clack sound. This quality points to a more engaging auditory experience, perhaps enhancing the typing atmosphere, particularly when compared to the absence of distinctive sound features in the Crystal Brown.

On the tactile feedback front, the Crystal Brown does not have specific qualities mentioned, indicating that it may offer a typical tactile experience without any distinguishing elements. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam, being a linear switch, is characterized by a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. This smoothness might appeal to those who prefer uninterrupted key presses for a fluid typing experience. The contrast in tactile feedback makes the Sunset Gleam more suitable for users seeking a seamless and effortless feel as opposed to the potentially mediocre tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown.

In summary, if you're considering these switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown may not stand out in either sound or feel, likely providing a standard experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a compelling auditory profile with satisfying acoustics and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts who value sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your decision might lean towards the Sunset Gleam if you prioritize a more engaging experience, while the Crystal Brown could suffice if you’re looking for a no-frills option.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feedback while typing, which can enhance your typing accuracy and provide a sensory reference for each keystroke, then the Crystal Brown with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams could be the ideal option. This makes it well-suited for typists who enjoy the combination of responsiveness and assurance without being too heavy on the fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke experience for rapid typing or gaming, the Sunset Gleam's lighter actuation at 48 grams might be your go-to choice. This switch offers a satisfying clarity and a bit of auditory feedback that many gamers find appealing, allowing for quicker key presses and fewer fatigue-related issues during extended sessions. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value tactile feedback or a linear smoothness that can enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more