HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Sunset Gleam, widely recognized as the Duck Duck switch, is a linear switch crafted with a meticulous combination of materials that results in a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, paired with the excellent factory lube that HMX is renowned for. This switch is perfect for those who favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without much tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for gamers or typists who appreciate speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor introduces a vibrant tactile experience with its pronounced thuddy and punchy sound profile. This switch strikes a remarkable balance by providing just enough feedback to enhance your typing experience without feeling overwhelming, catering to users who seek a character-rich feel in their keypresses. While both switches have their unique advantages—speed and smoothness versus tactile feedback and character—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.

By the numbers

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Sunset Gleam and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a very similar sound profile characterized by sharper and crisper qualities. This shared material choice allows both switches to deliver a clearer and more resonant audio experience due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant light diffusion, which can enhance the visual appeal of both switches. Thus, users can expect a consistent performance concerning sound clarity when using either the Sunset Gleam or the Viola Tricolor.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. This softer bottom housing affects the typing experience significantly; when users press down on either switch, they will feel and hear the deeper sound associated with nylon. Unlike the top housing's crispness, the nylon material is designed to dampen sound, creating a softer bottom-out feel that enhances user comfort over prolonged typing sessions.

Together, the materials of both the HMX Sunset Gleam and Haimu Viola Tricolor work in tandem to create a dual sound experience. While both share a polycarbonate upper housing that delivers a bright, lively sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing provides depth and warmth during the keypress. This combination means that users can enjoy the best of both worlds: the clarity and brightness from the polycarbonate top, paired with the richness of sound from the nylon bottom. As such, despite being two distinct models, they result in a harmonious balance in auditory feedback, making either choice appealing for different preferences in sound signature.

Weight

The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch exhibit significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their overall typing experience. The Sunset Gleam features a light actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and fosters a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an actuation force listed as None, indicating that this information is not provided, but it does have a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while the bottoming out is more substantial with the Viola, its actuation characteristics remain unknown. Consequently, users seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience would gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam, while those who prefer a heftier key feel might appreciate the feedback from the Viola Tricolor. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, while the Viola Tricolor is the heavier one.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sunset Gleam switch will provide a more responsive feel, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying during typing or gaming. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option, and the Viola Tricolor is the longer one. If you're looking for a more immediate response, the Sunset Gleam would be the favorable choice, whereas the Viola Tricolor may be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a satisfying clack thanks to its carefully crafted blend of materials, delivering a subtle yet pleasing auditory feedback during key presses. This sound is less about depth and richness and more about a clean, crisp response that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is known for its notable thuddy and punchy sound profile, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched resonance. The deeper tones of the Viola Tricolor offer a richer auditory experience that adds a unique character to the typing experience, making it stand out among typical tactile options.

In terms of feel, the Sunset Gleam boasts a well-balanced experience with a smooth actuation typical of linear switches, designed to deliver a subtle top-out that many users appreciate for its snappy responsiveness. However, precise details on the actuation force and tactile feedback of the Sunset Gleam haven't been explicitly outlined. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor provides a pronounced tactility that strikes the perfect balance without becoming overly aggressive. It is classified as having a medium tactile response with invigorating feedback that creates a reactive typing sensation. This enhances the engagement of the user, making each keystroke feel involved and responsive without being overwhelming.

In summary, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a clean sound profile and smooth typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch brings a richer sound and pronounced tactility to the table. Each has its unique appeal—ideal for different types of users. If you prefer a quieter, smoother experience, the Sunset Gleam is a solid choice; however, if you lean towards a more acoustic and tactile interaction with your keyboard, the Viola Tricolor will likely suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches cater to diverse user needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience, whether you value auditory feedback, tactile response, or a combination of both.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter actuation force for rapid and effortless key presses, along with a smooth typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions, the Sunset Gleam would be ideal for you. This switch’s subtle top-out and satisfying clack make it a great option for gaming and fast-paced typing, achieving a gentle yet responsive sensation without overwhelming tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced feedback and a richer, bassy sound profile to add character to each keystroke, then the Viola Tricolor may be the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force combined with an invigorating, accented tactile feel means you’ll experience a remarkably engaged typing experience, perfect for office work or prolonged typing duties where tactile satisfaction is a priority. Ultimately, consider the environments and activities you are using your keyboard for, and select the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more