Outemu Gold vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of various options, such as the Outemu Gold and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Outemu Gold—a clicky switch—is designed for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and distinct sound that comes with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who crave auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and faster typing experience without the distraction of clicks. While the Outemu Gold offers a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience, the Sunset Gleam emphasizes smoothness and efficiency, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Gold Clicky

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Gold and HMX Sunset Gleam switches share an important similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This common choice enhances their acoustic properties, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate an enhanced auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches ideal for RGB lighting applications, as the light can pass through effectively, contributing to a visually appealing setup. Thus, whether one opts for the Outemu Gold or the HMX Sunset Gleam, they can expect a similar illuminated aesthetic and sound clarity from the top housing.

Conversely, the bottom housings of the Outemu Gold and HMX Sunset Gleam switches are both made from nylon, another point of convergence in their design. Nylon is renowned for its sound-absorbing properties, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The contrast between the stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing and the softer nylon in the bottom allows each switch to produce a well-rounded auditory experience. While the polycarbonate top provides clarity and resonance, the nylon bottom ensures that the sound is more muted and rich. Therefore, the combined effects of these materials promise a balanced acoustic profile, blending sharpness and warmth in a way that enhances the overall typing feel.

In summary, while the Outemu Gold and HMX Sunset Gleam switches employ different materials for their bottom housings, they harmonize beautifully through their shared polycarbonate top. This dual-material setup means that typists can experience the crisp clarity of polycarbonate when releasing the keys, while also enjoying the dampened, full sound that nylon provides at the bottom-out point. As a result, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that are enjoyable for users, allowing individuals to choose based on their preference for either the aesthetic appeal or the sound character they wish to achieve. Whether one gravitates towards the Gold or the Sunset Gleam, the end result is a pleasing blend of expressive sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, highlighting their suitability for different typing preferences. The Outemu Gold features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, classifying it as a lighter switch. This lower force requirement in the Sunset Gleam makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, potentially reducing fatigue during extended periods of use. Therefore, for those seeking a heavier, more tactile feel, the Outemu Gold would be the appropriate choice, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam caters to those who favor a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The Outemu Gold clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distinction illustrates a fundamental difference in user experience, as the Gold provides a more substantial feel with its traditional longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a deeper key press. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, is aimed at users seeking quicker response times, making it a potentially better fit for gamers who favor rapid keystrokes. Thus, if you appreciate a more pronounced and hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Outemu Gold would be the ideal choice, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam is better suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Gold clicky switch is characterized by its notable absence of sound specifications, making it difficult to gauge its acoustic performance directly. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is designed to provide a subtle top-out sound followed by a satisfying clack, attributed to its carefully selected materials. The acoustic profile of both switches will ultimately depend on external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the Sunset Gleam offers an advantage with its defined sound signature.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Gold switch lacks specific descriptions, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is engineered for a smooth linear action that is complemented by the excellent factory lubrication, which enhances the overall experience. This smooth feel makes the Sunset Gleam particularly appealing for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump found in many other switches.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch presents an undefined auditory and tactile experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a satisfying combination of sound and feel, making it a more defined choice for newcomers. If you prefer a linear feel, the Sunset Gleam provides a better approach with its characterized sound profile and smooth actuation. Ultimately, your experience with either switch will be shaped significantly by the keyboard and keycap choices you make.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you’ll be using the keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Outemu Gold, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, would be an excellent choice—ideal for typists who like to feel each keypress and might appreciate the clicky sound that accompanies it, especially in a more private setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, particularly for gaming or extended typing sessions, the HMX Sunset Gleam with its light bottom-out force of 48 grams is the way to go. This switch provides a seamless feel that’s less fatiguing over long periods, making it suitable for both fast-paced gaming and long writing sessions without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and the typical contexts in which you use your keyboard, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience with your mechanical setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more