TTC Silent Red vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Silent Red switch, recognized for its buttery smoothness and muted sound profile, provides a superior typing experience for those seeking peace and quiet, particularly in office settings or shared spaces. Its padded bottom-out feel contributes to long-lasting comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam switch, also a linear option, is celebrated for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, thanks to HMX’s quality manufacturing and excellent factory lube. This makes it an ideal choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback without the excessive noise often associated with other switches. Each switch caters to distinct user needs—whether it’s noise reduction with the Silent Red or a satisfying auditory experience with the Sunset Gleam. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red and HMX Sunset Gleam switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their sound profiles in remarkably similar ways. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their auditory experience while typing or gaming. This material not only delivers clarity but also shines aesthetically, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination that draws attention to the switch. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing for both switches means that users can expect a similar acoustic performance, emphasizing precision and resonance.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, a material characterized by its softer properties, which significantly influences the overall sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This juxtaposition of materials allows the Silent Red and Sunset Gleam to provide a unique typing experience, where the crisper sounds produced by the polycarbonate top are balanced by the rounder, more muted effects of the nylon bottom. As a result, each switch creates a harmonious interplay between the clarity of the upper and the warmth of the lower housing that is pleasing to the ear.
Despite the differences in characteristics for the top and bottom housings, both switches ultimately deliver a coherent and well-rounded auditory experience. The polycarbonate tops ensure clarity and sharpness, while the nylon bottoms contribute depth and richness to the sound. When pressed, the user will feel the impact of the nylon material amplifying the bottom-out sound, while releasing the key highlights the crispness of the polycarbonate top. Therefore, even though the housing materials vary between top and bottom, the resulting combined effects lead to a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience across both the TTC Silent Red and HMX Sunset Gleam switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Sunset Gleam is lighter, requiring only 42 grams for actuation. This makes the Sunset Gleam a better option for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions with less finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Red reaches 63.5 grams, while the Sunset Gleam is much lighter at just 48 grams. This significant difference indicates that the Silent Red offers a more substantial feel when pressing the key down fully, catering to those who prefer a heavier touch. Overall, the Silent Red is the heavier switch, offering both a stronger actuation and bottom out force, while the Sunset Gleam is lighter and may appeal to those seeking a more nimble typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a notable difference. The TTC Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent Red the longer travel option, offering a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they prefer a less abrupt key feel. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users who favor quicker responsiveness in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a more pronounced key press or a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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.
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 TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise control is a priority, such as shared living spaces or offices. Its design minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the mechanical feel. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is tailored to deliver a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback with its clack at the top-out while maintaining a soft overall sound quality. While the exact sound profile of the Sunset Gleam isn’t detailed, it leans towards a more pleasant and engaging experience compared to the Silent Red. Ultimately, while the Silent Red is focused on minimizing noise, the Sunset Gleam seems to strike a balance between subtle sound and tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Red offers a buttery, mild, and polished keystroke experience. This results in a smooth and fluid typing sensation that is approachable for most users, providing a comfortable and refined finish with effortless key travel. The padded bottom-out feel enhances the overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam’s specific feel characteristics are unknown, which could mean it either matches or diverges from the smoothness and comfort level of the Silent Red. Without further information on the Sunset Gleam’s texture or keystroke resistance, we cannot make a direct comparison to the feel of the Silent Red.
Overall, choosing between the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Sunset Gleam will largely depend on your priorities. If noise reduction and a smooth typing experience are your main concerns, the Silent Red excels in these areas. However, if you're looking for a switch that provides a bit of auditory feedback combined with potentially excellent smoothness and quality due to HMX's reputation, the Sunset Gleam may be worth exploring further. Both switches offer a linear experience, which means you'll enjoy a relatively consistent keystroke feel, but the nuances in sound and additional tactile feedback could greatly influence your overall satisfaction with either option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared environments like offices or co-working spaces, the TTC Silent Red is undoubtedly your best choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams ensures a satisfying tactile feedback while minimizing noise, making it suitable for long typing sessions without distracting others around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch and a more playful typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam may be the switch for you. With its lighter actuation force of 48 grams and its satisfying sound profile that combines a subtle top-out with a pleasant clack, it can enhance your typing experience without being overly loud, appealing particularly to gamers or those who prefer a more responsive feel. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environment, and whether you value silence or expressiveness more in your switch choice.
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