HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer distinct advantages for enthusiasts and casual users alike, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its unique material composition, which provides a subtle top-out feel paired with a satisfying clack sound, making it a joy for both typists and gamers who appreciate tactile feedback. Additionally, its excellent factory lubrication ensures a smooth keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch stands out for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering particularly to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While both switches suit different preferences, choosing between them hinges on your desired typing experience—whether you seek a gentle tactile feel or a faster action without much auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Outemu Yellow Silver utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to a comparable sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, making each keystroke feel precise and pronounced. This shared material choice enhances the performance of both switches, particularly in RGB setups due to the translucency of polycarbonate. Thus, users can expect a similar, vibrant lighting effect that complements the sound attributes of both switches, ensuring a consistent aesthetic experience whether using the Sunset Gleam or the Yellow Silver.

In contrast, the bottom housing material differentiates the two switches. Both the Sunset Gleam and the Yellow Silver utilize nylon, a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing qualities. The relatively softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile that contrasts the highs produced by the polycarbonate top. This results in a balanced auditory experience overall, where the muted depth of the nylon can temper the crispness of the polycarbonate sound, producing a more harmonious feedback response with every keystroke. Both switches therefore merge distinct but complementary auditory elements: the sharper sounds from polycarbonate above and the fuller tones from nylon below.

Ultimately, while the HMX Sunset Gleam and Outemu Yellow Silver are composed of the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, their unique sound characteristics emerge from the combination of these materials. The polycarbonate top gives a pronounced acoustic response when keys are released, while the nylon bottom enriches the bottom-out experience with its softer sound quality. Together, they create a cohesive and dynamic typing experience, allowing users to enjoy the crispness of the switches while benefiting from the rounded depth provided by the nylon base in both models. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profiles, with Glean and Silver switches providing nuanced variations that suit different typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable option for those who value comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial feel and may be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push. While both switches will ultimately deliver a satisfactory typing experience, the Sunset Gleam's overall lighter force may appeal to users seeking ease and less fatigue over prolonged use, while the Yellow Silver's medium-light feel may cater to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences. The Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, may provide faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, individuals seeking responsiveness might lean toward the Sunset Gleam, while those preferring a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Yellow Silver.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack, which tends to appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level. This neutrality makes the Yellow Silver versatile and suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in an office, accommodating both beginners and seasoned users. While the Sunset Gleam may provide a more distinctive sound experience, the Yellow Silver's neutrality will ensure that it won’t be disruptive in shared spaces.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam is noted for its smooth linear movement, enhanced by the excellent factory lube HMX is recognized for, contributing to an overall satisfying experience. This extra attention to lubrication can create an impression of premium quality and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed with a light actuation force that promotes speed and responsiveness, making it a favorable choice for both gamers and typists who desire quick, effortless key presses. Although the Sunset Gleam may feel more plush due to its lubrication, the Yellow Silver provides a tactile quickness that many users crave in fast-paced settings.

In summary, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch each possess unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sunset Gleam stands out for its pleasant sound and smooth feel due to its specialized lubrication, while the Yellow Silver shines with its neutral sound profile and light actuation force, ideal for rapid inputs. Depending on your personal priorities—be it auditory feedback or speed in typing—the choice between these switches can lead to a satisfying keyboard experience, as both are well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you are someone who enjoys a light keypress with a satisfying auditory feedback and a unique tactile experience, the Sunset Gleam, with its bottom-out force of 48 grams, may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you appreciate a more nuanced sound profile complemented by excellent factory lube. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more robust feel with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Yellow Silver would be your go-to, as it excels in providing a neutral sound profile that caters well to both gaming and typing environments, offering the speed and responsiveness that many gamers and typists desire. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value a light and textured typing experience or a balanced and versatile switch for a variety of applications.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more