HMX Sunset Gleam vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Sunset Gleam and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer two compelling yet distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its perfect blend of materials that produces a subtle top-out coupled with a satisfying clack, enhanced further by the factory lube HMX is renowned for. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a tactile yet smooth typing experience that strikes a balance between serenity and expressiveness. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, yielding a remarkably buttery and creamy feel that mirrors its dessert-inspired name. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards the balanced elegance of the Sunset Gleam or the vibrant soundscape of the Vanilla Ice Cream, each has unique offerings. 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 Sunset Gleam Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Sunset Gleam and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches showcase distinctive materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clear acoustics, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's translucence makes it well-suited for setups featuring RGB lighting, allowing light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, comprising "special mixed materials." This blend is designed to offer a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature, indicating that while the materials differ, both switches are engineered to achieve a crisp auditory experience, appealing to users seeking clarity and brightness in their typing sounds.

Underneath, the housing materials diverge even further. The HMX Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer properties, which absorb sound and create a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs POK material, known for its impressive durability and smoothness, delivering a very distinct typing experience. POK’s characteristics lead to a clacky sound and smooth keypresses, while also demonstrating superior shock resistance compared to nylon. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes significantly to the overall sound and feel of each switch, where the Sunset Gleam emphasizes depth and warmth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a combination of smoothness and pronounced acoustics.

Ultimately, the interaction between top and bottom housings in both switches dictates the overall typing experience. Although the Sunset Gleam and Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize different materials, they both offer complementary characteristics that enhance the auditory and tactile sensations experienced when typing. The top housing's influence on sound is particularly pronounced on the release of each key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect to enjoy clear, resonant sound profiles with the Sunset Gleam, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's combination of smoothness and durability results in a lively and engaging typing experience. The balance of materials means that, despite their differences, both switches can achieve satisfactory results for typists looking for distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both switches demonstrate similar characteristics in terms of their light feel. The Sunset Gleam has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 48 grams. This similarity in bottom out force suggests that users will experience a consistent bottoming out sensation regardless of the switch they choose. For those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming, the Sunset Gleam may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, for users who appreciate a firmer push during keystrokes, both switches provide a satisfying bottoming out sensation, but the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a marginally heavier actuation feel. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is the heavier one, making them suitable for different preferences in tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches travel down the same length before registering a key press. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Since their travel distances are identical, this consistency allows for comparable performance in various typing and gaming scenarios, making both switches equally appealing options for those seeking a linear switch experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam is characterized by a subtle top-out followed by a satisfying clack when actuated. This sound profile strikes a balance between being pronounced yet not overwhelming, offering a pleasant auditory experience without being too harsh on the ears. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream showcases a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that adds a lively and vibrant dimension to your typing. The resonant qualities of the Vanilla Ice Cream contribute to a more immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of a clean and sharp sound that can be described as marbly, making it suitable for those who appreciate a distinctive and clear sound.

When it comes to feel, the Sunset Gleam delivers an experience synonymous with the high standards set by HMX's factory lubrication, offering a smooth transition between keystrokes. This results in a pleasant typing experience, although specific descriptors are not provided, hinting at a level of refinement in the material blend. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with a buttery and creamy feel, resulting in a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The use of POK in the construction ensures a silky typing sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, creating a delightful tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing satisfaction.

Both the HMX Sunset Gleam and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches cater to distinct preferences through nuanced sound and feel features. While the Sunset Gleam provides a soft auditory experience with a well-balanced tactile response, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels in delivering high-pitched sounds and a smooth, creamy feel. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize the subtler characteristics of the Sunset Gleam or the vibrant and creamy qualities of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference, but each offers an enticing experience for any newcomer to the mechanical keyboard scene.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Sunset Gleam and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, your personal preference and typing style will play crucial roles. If you are looking for a switch that offers not only a lighter feel but also emits a satisfying clack with a subtle top-out, the Sunset Gleam is an excellent option. Its combination of well-balanced materials and factory lubrication ensures a comfortable typing experience while providing pleasing acoustics that appeal to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more luxurious typing feel, you'll likely gravitate towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The buttery and creamy texture, coupled with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creates an indulgent typing experience that might remind you of gliding your fingers effortlessly over each key. Ultimately, you should choose the Sunset Gleam for a balance of tactile satisfaction and sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for those seeking a velvety, smooth keystroke with a more pronounced auditory signature.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more