HMX Sunset Gleam vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options to find the perfect fit for their typing style. Enter the HMX Sunset Gleam and the HMX Swift, two intriguing linear switches from HMX that cater to distinct preferences. The Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its harmonious blend of materials that deliver a subtle top-out sensation accompanied by a satisfying clack, a combination bolstered by HMX's renowned factory lube. Conversely, the HMX Swift offers a unique auditory experience with its deeper sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housing. Its silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force create a light and responsive feel that many users find appealing. While both switches provide a linear typing experience, they differ significantly in sound and feedback, making each suited to different user desires. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Sunset Gleam and HMX Swift showcase a fundamental difference in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Sunset Gleam's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for those who value aesthetics in their keyboard setup. In contrast, the Swift features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted, rounder auditory experience when typing.
On the other hand, both the Sunset Gleam and the Swift utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice reflects a common preference for nylon in switch design, as it contributes to a significant and consistent sound profile characterized by depth and warmth. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, you can expect similar auditory outcomes regarding the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. The deeper, absorbed sound created by the nylon contributes to a pleasurable typing experience, demonstrating that both models deliver a satisfying user experience despite their differing top housing materials.
When the two switches are compared as a whole, it becomes clear that the differences in top housing materials are pivotal in defining their unique characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the Sunset Gleam generates a crisper sound on release, while the nylon top of the Swift emphasizes a fuller auditory presence during typing. Despite this divergence, both switches harmonize well through their shared nylon bottom housing, ensuring that users can enjoy a similar sound profile during the act of typing. Consequently, while the overarching auditory experience may differ, both the Sunset Gleam and Swift deliver solid performance grounded in their specific housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam and HMX Swift linear switches exhibit similarities in their actuation forces, both requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke, which provides a light and comfortable typing experience. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Sunset Gleam bottoming out at 48 grams, while the Swift has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that although both switches have the same actuation force, the Swift will feel a bit more substantial when pressed all the way down. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Sunset Gleam may be the better choice, as it offers a slightly softer touch overall. In contrast, users who desire a firmer feedback when bottoming out might opt for the Swift, given its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances, with the Sunset Gleam measuring 3.5 mm and the Swift measuring 3.9 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option, which can appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times due to the reduced distance needed to actuate the key. Conversely, the Swift, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, if you are looking for enhanced responsiveness, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better choice, while the HMX Swift would cater to those desiring a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is characterized by a subtle top-out noise combined with a satisfying clack, making it a pleasant choice for users who appreciate an auditory feedback that isn’t overly loud or intrusive, allowing for a more refined typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch presents a deeper sound signature thanks to its full nylon housings, producing a clacky sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. This heavier auditory profile can enhance the tactile experience, particularly in environments that benefit from a more pronounced sound, such as gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Both switches can produce varied acoustic results depending on the choice of keyboard, mounting method, and keycap materials, but the Swift will generally stand out for users seeking that deeper resonance.
In terms of feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch has a smooth typing experience, though specific details about how it feels under the fingers weren't provided. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch boasts a combination of features that enhance the typing experience significantly. It offers gentle resistance and requires minimal force for activation, translating to a low-impact feel that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Switch's feathery and bouncy sensations deliver an elastic feedback, making it feel lively and responsive, while its creamy texture ensures a buttery smoothness as fingers glide effortlessly across keys. Together, these qualities make the Swift particularly conducive to both gaming and standard typing tasks.
In conclusion, while the HMX Sunset Gleam switch provides a satisfying auditory experience with subtle nuances, the HMX Swift switch excels with its deeper sound profile and a range of tactile sensations tailored for comfort and responsiveness. If you prefer a clackier sound and a smoother feel, the Swift is the standout option, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a more muted yet enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, users will likely find satisfaction in either switch, depending on their specific preferences for sound and feel, as both can serve distinct user needs effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you're deciding between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider how you intend to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a switch that provides a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack sound, the Sunset Gleam might be your ideal choice. Its light 48-gram bottom-out force allows for a comfortable typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a nuanced sound profile and smooth feel, aided by HMX's excellent factory lube. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes a deeper sound profile accompanied by a silky smooth actuation, the HMX Swift would serve you well. With a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Swift's easy-to-press and feathery characteristics make it excellent for long typing sessions, gaming, or any scenario where comfort and responsiveness are paramount. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value the crisp clack of the Sunset Gleam or the rich, layered sound and effortless actuation of the Swift.
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