HMX Sunset Gleam vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam and the HMX Vintage Citrus can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Sunset Gleam, renowned for its polished and silky feel, provides a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a refined tactile experience while still enjoying the smoothness of a linear switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus shines in fast-paced gaming scenarios with its remarkably low actuation force and invigorating clacky sound profile, catering specifically to gamers who require quick, responsive actions. While both switches offer unique benefits, the Sunset Gleam is perfect for users looking for a balanced and smooth typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus is tailored for those who thrive on speed and auditory feedback. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the HMX Sunset Gleam and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the differences in their top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles that characterize each switch. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, which promotes a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. This quality allows for enhanced resonance and clarity, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound. This difference means that while the Sunset Gleam will excel in brightness and clarity, the Vintage Citrus delivers a sound that is more muted and rounded, appealing to those who prefer a less aggressive auditory experience.
While the top housing materials differ between the two models, both the HMX Sunset Gleam and HMX Vintage Citrus share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means both switches will have similar deep and full sound profiles when bottomed out, as the nylon absorbs sound effectively. Typing on either switch will elicit a consistent performance at the lower end of the sound spectrum, promoting a satisfying and velvety feel during keystrokes. The shared bottom housing material ensures that, regardless of the upper housing characteristics, users will experience a level of sound dampening and warmth that is characteristic of nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the distinct top housing materials and their shared bottom housing allows both the Sunset Gleam and Vintage Citrus switches to cater to different auditory preferences. The Sunset Gleam's polycarbonate top accentuates upper-frequency sounds, while the Vintage Citrus's nylon top dampens and rounds out the overall sound. However, the consistent presence of nylon in the bottom housing enables both switches to deliver a rich, full sound when pressed down, resulting in a cohesive typing experience that balances the unique tendencies of each switch. By understanding how each material influences the sound characteristics, users can make informed choices based on their sound preferences and typing style.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Sunset Gleam is better suited for long work or gaming sessions, while the Vintage Citrus provides a firmer resistance that some users might find satisfying. Overall, if the actuation and bottom out forces were to be equal, users would experience similar results in typing feel; however, in this case, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, while the Vintage Citrus is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference means that the Sunset Gleam offers a more substantial feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer somewhat deeper key presses. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower travel distance, can provide a quicker response time, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor faster action. Overall, if you value responsiveness and faster actuation, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more robust key feel might prefer the Sunset Gleam.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 the auditory experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch delivers a resonant sound that is clean and sharp. Users can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that immerses them in a pleasant auditory atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky sound characterized by its crisp and percussive qualities, perfect for creating an engaging environment suited to fast-paced gaming. While both switches produce appealing sounds, the Sunset Gleam’s resonant character and the Vintage Citrus's sharp clackiness cater to different preferences in auditory feedback, making the choice ultimately dependent on whether one favors an immersive sound or a more dynamic, punchy clack.
As for the tactile experience, the Sunset Gleam is designed to provide a polished, silky feel, resulting in extremely smooth key travel due to its refined finish and excellent factory lube. This makes for a seamless typing experience that reduces friction during both key presses and releases. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus boasts a snappy and invigorating feel, offering responsive feedback with each keystroke. Its declared characteristics reflect a robust typing sensation, enhanced by its low actuation force, making it particularly suited for gamers who require quick and precise inputs. The Sunset Gleam emphasizes a smooth elegance, while the Vintage Citrus prioritizes responsiveness and liveliness, appealing to distinctly different user experiences.
In summation, the HMX Sunset Gleam and Vintage Citrus linear switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities to enhance the typing or gaming experience. The Sunset Gleam focuses on a polished, resonant, and silky experience, accommodating users who appreciate a refined and immersive atmosphere. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who crave a clacky, snappy, and invigorating typing sensation, ideal for rapid engagements in gameplay. While both switches can deliver satisfying results based on individual preference, users will need to weigh sound and tactile characteristics against their personal needs to find the right fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches will ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth, polished feel and a resonant sound profile, the Sunset Gleam is likely your best bet. This switch excels in providing a satisfying clack while remaining refined and silky, making it suitable for both casual typing and creative work. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or someone who values speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with you in mind. Its snappy feedback, slightly firmer actuation force, and clacky sound make it ideal for rapid inputs and immersive gaming experiences. Thus, if you find yourself frequently engaged in fast-paced gameplay, the Vintage Citrus would serve you well. Ultimately, consider how you use your keyboard; for a blend of comfort and auditory pleasure, opt for the Sunset Gleam, while for speed and pronounced feedback, the Vintage Citrus will meet your needs effectively.
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