Outemu Red vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Outemu Red is known for its smooth keystroke and consistent actuation, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a unique blend of materials that not only provides a subtle top-out but also delivers a satisfying clack sound, augmented by the superb factory lube that HMX is celebrated for. While both switches cater to users who prefer a linear feel, the Outemu Red stands out for its minimalistic simplicity, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam offers an enhanced auditory experience and craftsmanship. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personal typing or gaming needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Red and HMX Sunset Gleam switches share the same material for their top housing: polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a distinct and shared aesthetic and acoustic profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound and increased clarity. The rigidity of polycarbonate ensures that the key presses resonate crisply, producing a more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them particularly well-suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting. Regardless of the brand, users can expect a similar performance in terms of sound clarity and visual appeal with their key switches.

Conversely, the bottom housing of both the Outemu Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam is made from nylon, a time-tested material renowned for its acoustic properties. This soft plastic contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, enabling a more muted and rounded keypress feedback compared to harder materials. The characteristics of nylon allow for sound absorption that complements the sharper profile of the polycarbonate top housing, creating a well-balanced auditory experience when typing. While the top housing focuses on the sound emitted upon key release, the bottom housing influences the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, both switches will deliver cohesive sound profiles, merging the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon.

Overall, while the Outemu Red and HMX Sunset Gleam exhibit the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, their blended characteristics provide a distinctive typing experience. The joined qualities of the polycarbonate and nylon result in switches that produce a pleasant and diverse range of sounds. Users can expect that regardless of the design choices made by the manufacturer, the interplay between the rigid polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom will yield a satisfying tactile feedback and audio response, making either switch an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Outemu Red requires an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch may find the Sunset Gleam more conducive for extended use, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Red also surpasses the Sunset Gleam, with a bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Sunset Gleam's 48 grams. Consequently, the Outemu Red presents a heavier experience overall, which could be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. Therefore, for users who appreciate a lighter typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while those who prefer a firmer response should lean towards the Outemu Red.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Red switch offers a more traditional feeling with its deeper travel, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance needed for actuation. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while those who prefer a more pronounced and hearty depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Outemu Red. Overall, the Outemu Red switch is longer, and the HMX Sunset Gleam is shorter, providing distinct tactile experiences depending on user preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it's important to note that the Red lacks a specific sound signature, leaving it somewhat undefined in this respect. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is celebrated for its unique acoustic characteristics, which are described as a subtle top-out followed by a satisfying clack. This difference suggests that the Sunset Gleam may offer a more engaging auditory experience during typing, while the Outemu Red may be more muted or less distinct, making it potentially less satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback from their switches.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red offers a smooth and linear experience, which is ideal for those who prefer consistent keystrokes without tactile bumps or notable resistance. The Sunset Gleam, similarly, provides a linear feel but enhances this experience with excellent factory lube that HMX is renowned for. This attention to lubrication likely results in an even more refined and buttery smooth typing performance compared to the Outemu Red. Thus, while both switches provide a linear feel, the Sunset Gleam may deliver a superior tactile experience due to its enhanced design and manufacturing process.

In conclusion, while both the Outemu Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches are poised to deliver a linear typing experience, they set themselves apart in sound and feel. The Sunset Gleam's distinct sound and premium lube give it an edge, likely enhancing user satisfaction and engagement. If you value sound and a refined feel, the Sunset Gleam might be the better choice. However, if a more straightforward, quieter switch suits your needs, then the Outemu Red could be a comfortable, if less dynamic, alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on what attributes you prioritize in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Outemu Red could be your ideal choice. Its weight can provide you with a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy a bit more resistance during keystrokes, particularly those who type with a heavy hand or engage in intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and more responsive, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is an excellent option, with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams. This lighter touch makes it perfect for rapid typing or gaming where speed is crucial. Additionally, the Sunset Gleam is celebrated for its unique combination of materials, providing a delightful tactile experience and an appealing sound profile that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard, whether for work, gaming, or a blend of both.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more