Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam represent two distinct yet popular choices that cater to different user preferences. The Milk Blue, celebrated for its clicky feedback, delivers a satisfying audible click with every keystroke, making it an ideal option for typists and gamers who enjoy the auditory and tactile response during use. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a smoother, linear experience, allowing for a more silent and uninterrupted typing environment, which many users appreciate for its comfort during long sessions. While those who revel in the lively sound of a clicky switch may gravitate towards the Milk Blue, individuals seeking a quieter, more linear feel might find the Sunset Gleam more appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a commonality in their construction, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile of both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and clarity, creating a crisper sound that resonates more sharply compared to softer plastics. With both switches equipped with polycarbonate top housings, users can expect a high-pitched and articulate sound, especially advantageous for those who favor RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for vibrant illumination, enhancing the overall aesthetic of both switches while facilitating a visually appealing glow.
In contrast, while the top housing of both switches is identical in material, the bottom housing showcases a difference in feel and sound. Both the Milk Blue and Sunset Gleam employ nylon for their bottom housings, a classic material known for introducing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to the harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller acoustic experience. When typing on these switches, the uniquely soft characteristics of the nylon bottom housing enrich the auditory feedback during bottom-out, providing a satisfying tactile response that complements the crispness of the top housing.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings of the Milk Blue and Sunset Gleam produces a balanced auditory experience that captures the strengths of both materials. While the polycarbonate top contributes to clarity and sharpness when releasing a key, the nylon bottom serves to deepen and enrich the overall sound upon actuation. This combination ensures that users benefit from a harmonious typing experience, accentuated by the contrasting sound profiles of each material. Therefore, regardless of the differences in the bottom housing, both switches promise a nuanced auditory response that can cater to a variety of user preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is heavier than the Sunset Gleam's actuation force of 42 grams. This suggests that users might find the Milk Blue switch offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. Consequently, individuals who prioritize a more effortless typing experience for extended use might prefer the Sunset Gleam, while those looking for a firmer response might lean towards the Milk Blue.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Milk Blue offers a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users may appreciate for a deeper keypress experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance is more aligned with contemporary preferences, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Sunset Gleam might be the better choice. Ultimately, the Milk Blue provides a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Gleam, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial actuation feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
The Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Milk Blue switch is celebrated for its signature clicky sound, characterized by a satisfying tactile and audible feedback upon actuation. This distinct sound profile can provide a pleasing auditory experience for typists and gamers who enjoy the clarity of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, known for its linear characteristics, lacks the audible click associated with the Milk Blue. Instead, it offers a more subdued sound with a smooth actuation, leaving behind a whisper-like noise that can be preferable in quieter environments. The contrast between the pronounced click of the Milk Blue and the subtle top-out sound of the Sunset Gleam highlights their differing intended uses and user preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue is designed to deliver a crisp tactile bump that provides clear feedback during typing. This tactile nature makes it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam is all about smoothness, with a fluid keystroke experience free of any tactile resistance or bump. This allows for rapid key presses and is particularly favored by gamers who need to execute fast actions without resistance. Therefore, both switches cater to different typing styles: the Milk Blue invigorates the experience with tactile feedback, whereas the Sunset Gleam prioritizes seamless performance.
In conclusion, choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Sunset Gleam boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy the distinct clicking sound and tactile feedback, the Milk Blue is the way to go. However, if you favor a quieter, smoother experience suitable for speed and efficiency, you might gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that aligns with different user needs, and understanding their qualities will help newcomers make an informed choice for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch often comes down to your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you appreciate an audible feedback while typing that enhances your experience, the Milk Blue is ideal for you. Its clicky sound profile can make typing feel engaging and offer satisfaction with each keystroke, which is great for writers or anyone who spends considerable time on their keyboard. However, if you prefer a smooth, quieter typing experience that allows for rapid keystrokes without the distraction of clicks, then the HMX Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice. This linear switch offers a gentle press with a light bottom-out force, making it suitable for gaming or long typing sessions where noise can be a concern. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the tactile and auditory feedback of the Milk Blue or the smooth, quiet operation of the Sunset Gleam. Each switch caters to different typing styles, so consider what aligns best with your preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
