HMX SU vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX SU, a linear switch with a robust PA12 housing and a T5 stem, is celebrated for its subtle and relatively deep sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile experience that appeals to those who enjoy a more muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a strikingly different auditory sensation, boasting a rich, bassy sound akin to the soothing clatter of mahjong tiles. With its distinctive Creamsicle hue, the Sunset Yellow is not only visually appealing but also presents a typing experience that is both indulgently smooth and highly responsive, thanks to its medium weight and unique Ly stem. While the SU leans toward a more understated and refined typing experience, the Sunset Yellow tantalizes with its lively sound profile and frictionless glide. Considerations such as personal sound preference and typing feel can significantly influence your decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX SU Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX SU and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, notable differences arise from their composition. The HMX SU utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material well-known for producing a rich, deeper sound profile. For typists and gamers alike, the softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, leading to a fuller auditory experience. This characteristic significantly influences the overall typing experience, as the rounded and muted sound has the potential to create a more pleasant atmosphere during extended use. The consistency of nylon across both housing components ensures that a cohesive sound profile is maintained, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of its acoustic properties fully.

Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow employs POM for its top and bottom housings. While still yielding a deeper and relatively muted sound, POM provides a distinct auditory signature that diverges from the full-bodied notes characteristic of nylon. Instead of a warm and rounded experience, POM offers clarity with a subtly unique sound profile. Users may find that the difference in material affects both the audible quality during a key press and the sound when releasing the key. When typing with the Sunset Yellow switches, the POM materials can lend a sharper clarity, creating a different tactile sensation and auditory feedback compared to the HMX SU, despite still being within the realm of deeper sounds.

However, both housing materials ultimately achieve similar results in terms of producing deeper sound profiles, albeit through slightly different pathways. The nylon of the HMX SU and the POM of the Everglide Sunset Yellow both contribute to sound dampening, though the specific qualities each offers are shaped by their unique material properties. As such, while users may note differences in feel and sound between the two, the end result—a satisfying auditory experience—remains achievable, whether through the HMX SU's plush nylon or the crisp clarity of the Sunset Yellow's POM.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX SU linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, both reveal nuances in typing experience influenced by subjective preferences. The HMX SU features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a marginally heavier bottom out force of 51 grams. This makes the Sunset Yellow switch generally lighter in terms of actuation, allowing for less strain during extended typing sessions, which can be beneficial for prolonged use at work or during gaming. Conversely, the HMX SU, with its slightly higher actuation force, caters more to users who favor a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches offer distinct force profiles, the Sunset Yellow is ultimately the lighter option in terms of actuation, while the HMX SU is marginally heavier, making each suitable for different user preferences.

Travel distance

The HMX SU linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the HMX SU switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow may be more appealing, allowing for quicker key presses that are particularly advantageous for gaming. Conversely, the SU's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who favor a deeper key press. Overall, if you're looking for a faster response time, the Sunset Yellow might be the better choice, whereas the SU would be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX SU linear switch presents a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, creating a satisfying auditory experience that is neither too harsh nor overwhelmingly loud. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is characterized by its rich, bassy sound profile, evoking the unique auditory sensation of mahjong tiles colliding. This switch produces a deep, thocky sound upon key presses, generating a more pronounced audio response that many enthusiasts find indulgent. While both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory feedback, the Sunset Yellow provides a more resonant and rich sound that enhances the typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate deeper tones.

In terms of feel, the HMX SU's characteristics are less directly stated, but one can infer that its design suggests a reasonably smooth typing experience, aligning with the expectations of linear switches. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow linear switch is notably creamy and frictionless, ensuring a smooth and buttery typing experience. The incorporation of a unique Ly stem and factory lubrication contributes to a refined, polished feel, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over each key. The combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem creates a responsive, quick-action typing sensation. Thus, while the SU may offer a satisfying feel, the Sunset Yellow excels with its enhanced smoothness, contributing to a more luxurious typing experience.

Overall, both the HMX SU and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches cater to distinct preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The SU offers a subdued sound profile and a potentially smooth feel, while the Sunset Yellow distinguishes itself with its deep, thocky sound and exceptionally creamy typing experience. Depending on your priorities—whether you lean towards sound quality or the tactile enjoyment of typing—you'll find satisfying options within both switches, yet the Sunset Yellow stands out for those seeking a more vibrant auditory and tactile experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX SU linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch should ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in your keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subdued sound profile, the HMX SU might be the better choice for you, especially if you enjoy the deeper, less pronounced acoustics that its PA12 housing provides. This switch is likely to appeal to those who want a tactile yet gentle typing experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you seek a more vibrant auditory experience, complemented by a luxurious feel, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow is likely to satisfy your cravings. Its captivating bassy and thocky sound combined with the creamy, frictionless feel makes typing feel indulgent and responsive, making it ideal for users who type frequently and enjoy a rich audio feedback during their key presses. By considering your preferences for sound, force, and overall feel, you'll be able to select the switch that enhances your typing experience the most effectively.

Mentioned in this article

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more