HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Gateron Weightlessness 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 Gateron Weightlessness can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes with a refined blend of materials that provide a subtle top-out feel and an enjoyable clack during typing. Acclaimed for its excellent factory lubrication, it delivers a consistent and satisfying performance, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter yet smooth feedback experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile touch, giving users a satisfying response with every key press, thanks to its subtle to moderate tactile bump. The balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness not only enhances the typing experience but is also appealing for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize smoothness or a tactile sensation—but choosing the right one can depend on your specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Sunset Gleam and Gateron Weightlessness switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its relatively stiff nature, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when typing. This material is particularly advantageous for those who want to maximize the effects of RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for optimal light transmission. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder acoustic character. Thus, while both switches aim to create a satisfying typing experience, they diverge in sound quality and aesthetic applications due to their distinct top housing materials.
Regarding the bottom housings of both switches, the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Gateron Weightlessness share a commonality, as both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom half contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The inherent characteristics of nylon—its ability to absorb sound—means that both switches will produce a similar auditory experience when the keys bottom out, fostering a softer and less harsh auditory feedback overall. This similarity allows for a sense of consistency in feel and sound during typing, despite the difference in the top housing materials.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in these switches provides unique acoustic qualities. The Sunset Gleam’s polycarbonate top housing sharpens the higher frequencies in sound, prominently accentuating the sound when releasing a key, whereas the nylon bottom housing provides a grounding thump when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the Weightlessness, through its nylon top housing, delivers a more subdued sound when keys are released, with the bottom nylon housing enhancing the warmth of the bottom-out sound. Therefore, while the Sunset Gleam may offer a brighter sound experience owing to its polycarbonate top, both switches can create a satisfying typing experience through their shared nylon bottoms, demonstrating that even with varying top materials, cohesive auditory results are achievable.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present differing characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming, as the lighter weight reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, although its bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the Weightlessness offers a heavier actuation experience. The lack of a specified bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch leaves a gap in the comparison, but generally, users can expect different typing experiences based on these varying actuation forces. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This 0.1 mm difference means that the Sunset Gleam provides a marginally deeper travel experience compared to the Weightlessness switch. As shorter travel distances often appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, the Weightlessness may be the preferred choice for those who prioritize speed, albeit at the cost of a slight reduction in depth. Conversely, if you favor a more pronounced feel while typing or gaming, the Sunset Gleam, with its greater travel distance, would likely offer a more satisfying experience. Overall, if you are looking for responsiveness, the Gateron Weightlessness might be ideal, while the HMX Sunset Gleam may better suit those who appreciate a deeper push.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a subtle top-out followed by a satisfying clack, which makes for a pleasant auditory experience while typing. This is enhanced by the high-quality factory lube that HMX applies, contributing to reduced friction and an overall smoother sound. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a more balanced sound profile that harmonizes with its tactile feel. While the exact sound characteristics might vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a quieter sound from the Weightlessness switch compared to the distinct clacking of the Sunset Gleam.
When considering the feel, the Sunset Gleam's linear design allows for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, appealing to those who prefer a frictionless and fluid typing action without the interruption of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, providing a satisfying "bump" that many typists find rewarding without being overly pronounced. This makes the Weightlessness suitable for those who enjoy tactile feedback while still wanting a relatively smooth typing experience.
In summary, both the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences. The Sunset Gleam’s smooth linear action and satisfying clack make it perfect for those seeking a seamless typing experience, while the Weightlessness offers the advantage of tactile feedback paired with a balanced sound profile. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch could be a suitable choice; however, the distinctly different sound and feel characteristics of these two switches provide enough variety to help users select based on their personal tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a lighter feel with a satisfying linear action that's smooth and quiet, the Sunset Gleam may be your ideal choice. It provides a delightful typing experience with its subtly dampened bottom-out and pleasant sound profile, making it particularly suitable for gaming or long typing sessions where speed and reduced fatigue are priorities. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a balanced sound that complements your typing rhythm, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be the better option for you. The tactile sensation adds a layer of engagement that many typists find satisfying, especially when you're looking for that reassuring "bump" in your keystrokes. Ultimately, consider the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, your typing style, and whether you prefer the smoothness of linear switches or the feedback of tactile ones. By reflecting on these factors, you’ll be able to choose the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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