Outemu Silent Grey vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, with options like the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Sunset Gleam representing two distinct preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey, categorized as a tactile switch, is renowned for its pronounced bump and quiet operation, making it ideal for users who appreciate a tactile response without the accompanying noise that can disrupt a shared workspace. This switch strikes a balance between muted performance and a satisfying thocky feel, appealing to typists seeking a more discreet yet engaging experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, offers a polished and bouncy feel with a smooth keystroke that excels in providing a silky typing experience. Its subtle top-out and resonant clack make it a favorite among gamers and those who enjoy a more fluid typing style without tactile feedback interruption. While both switches cater to different typing preferences, the decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, it's evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity leads to a shared sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate means that it enhances sound clarity and resonance, making these switches particularly effective for users who are keen on RGB lighting, as their translucency allows for vibrant illumination. Whether you choose the Silent Grey or Sunset Gleam, you can expect similar visual aesthetics and sound characteristics from the top housing.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge in their material composition, as both feature nylon. Nylon's softer properties create a fuller and more rounded sound profile, absorbing some of the noise, which contrasts with the crispness achieved by the polycarbonate. This means that while both switches deliver a coherent acoustic experience, the Silent Grey’s nylon bottom housing will yield a different feel and sound when bottoming out compared to its top, while the Sunset Gleam will exhibit comparable traits despite its switch design variations. The use of nylon in both models ensures that users will experience a deep, resonant typing sensation that fundamentally shapes the keystroke experience in both cases.
The interaction between the different housing materials ultimately influences the overall typing feel and sound output. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both models results in a cohesive performance where the treble clarity from the top housing complements the bass response from the nylon bottom. If you're deciding between the Silent Grey and Sunset Gleam, rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience due to their nylon bottom housings fostering a rich sound signature, while the polycarbonate tops ensure aesthetic and auditory enjoyment through sharper notes. Hence, regardless of the minor differences in design, the fundamental acoustic qualities remain consistent between these two models.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who seek less resistance while typing or gaming. Therefore, the Silent Grey is the heavier switch, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter feel that facilitates longer typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, users seeking a responsive and tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Silent Grey, while those desiring a smoother, lighter touch will find the Sunset Gleam more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Silent Grey measures 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference highlights the preferences and experiences associated with each switch type. The Silent Grey, with its 4 mm distance, provides a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper key press, offering a tactile feedback that some find satisfying. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel distance aligns with the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker response times due to the rapid actuation. Consequently, users looking for a more responsive feel may prefer the Sunset Gleam. Therefore, if you prefer a hearty depth, go for the Silent Grey, while those seeking a more immediate reaction would benefit from the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance.
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 Silent Grey 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch delivers a quiet, muted auditory experience characterized by a deep, thocky resonance. It produces a low-pitched sound that is soft yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a discreet typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a more resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp quality. The difference between these two switches is significant; while the Silent Grey focuses on minimizing noise, the Sunset Gleam is designed to create a more pronounced sound, albeit with a satisfying clack.
In terms of feel, the Silent Grey switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a distinctly pronounced bump that makes each keystroke feel intentional and engaging. This strong feedback can enhance typing precision and satisfaction during use. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam provides a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and minimal resistance. Additionally, its bouncy nature adds an elastic feedback sensation, making it feel lively and responsive. While both switches deliver enjoyable tactile experiences, the Silent Grey emphasizes a tactile bump, whereas the Sunset Gleam focuses on smoothness and a lively feel with its polished and bouncy characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Grey and HMX Sunset Gleam switches cater to different preferences. The Silent Grey excels in providing a quiet, tactile experience with a muted sound and a sharp bump, making it suitable for quiet workspaces. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam offers a resonant sound and a smooth, responsive feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quieter experience along with pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Grey is an excellent choice; its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams ensures you feel each keypress distinctly, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile sensation without the loud noises typically associated with mechanical switches. This switch is particularly suitable for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise should be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, lighter touch with a more resonant auditory feedback, the HMX Sunset Gleam is perfect for you. Its lighter 48 grams bottom out force, polished feel, and bouncy characteristics create an enjoyable typing experience that is both engaging and responsive. This switch is great for fast typists or gamers who appreciate the fluidity of linear switches combined with a subtle clack sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and sound dampening or a smooth, lively typing experience with resonant acoustics.
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