HMX Sunset Gleam vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy linear options are the HMX Sunset Gleam and the TTC Yunhai. The HMX Sunset Gleam, often affectionately referred to as the Duck Duck switch, stands out due to its meticulous design, which combines excellent materials to create a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, along with HMX’s renowned factory lubrication that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a distinctively gentle and light actuation force, resulting in a typing sensation that is both effortless and pleasing, complemented by a deep, rounded sound profile that many users find captivating. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback during typing, while the Yunhai is suited for typists seeking a smoother and lighter touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Sunset Gleam and the TTC Yunhai utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which greatly impacts the auditory experience of each switch. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material, which enhances resonance, allowing for clearer sound projections. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency makes it an ideal choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through effectively. In contrast, the Yunhai uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more than polycarbonate, resulting in a more rounded aural experience. Thus, while both materials serve functional purposes in switch construction, their differing acoustic properties cater to varying user preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Sunset Gleam and the TTC Yunhai utilize nylon, resulting in a shared characteristic that influences the overall sound profile. The nylon construction in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, generating a duller and rounder auditory feel. This similarity means that regardless of the material choices at the top, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when the switches bottom out. The softness of nylon, along with its sound-absorbing properties, plays a critical role while typing, reinforcing the lower-end frequencies, which can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a more muted typing sound.
In conclusion, the combination of housing materials in the HMX Sunset Gleam and the TTC Yunhai results in a unique interplay of sound profiles. The Sunset Gleam, with its polycarbonate top housing, delivers a sharper sound accentuated by its transparency, while its nylon bottom housing maintains a deeper tonal quality. Meanwhile, the Yunhai's entirely nylon construction offers a more uniform soft and deep sound profile. The contrasting effects of their top and bottom materials highlight the balance between clarity and fullness in acoustics, enabling users to select switches that align with their desired typing experiences. Despite the differences in top housings, the shared nylon bottom in both models ensures that they ultimately deliver distinct yet complementary results in sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam and TTC Yunhai linear switches exhibit noteworthy similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 42 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering keystrokes, which is beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Sunset Gleam reaching 48 grams and the Yunhai at 50 grams. This means that while both switches provide a gentle actuation, the Yunhai requires a marginally heavier force to bottom out, offering a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, for users looking for a lighter switch, both the Sunset Gleam and Yunhai can be ideal choices for comfort during extended usage, though the Yunhai might appeal more to those who enjoy a bit more resistance when pressing down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yunhai's longer travel distance could provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that might appeal to users who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience, yet the choice between them will depend on whether one favors a slightly quicker response with the Sunset Gleam or a heartier depth with the Yunhai.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is characterized by a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack, creating a pleasing auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This blend of sound quality contributes to an overall engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch features a deep, rounded sound profile, offering a more muted acoustics that aligns with its gentle usability. The differences in sound between these switches cater to varying preferences among users—those who appreciate a more pronounced clack may lean towards the Sunset Gleam, while others who prefer a softer auditory experience might opt for the Yunhai.
When it comes to feel, the Sunset Gleam provides a well-balanced experience that many find satisfying thanks to its excellent factory lube that enhances smoothness during travel. This lubricated action ensures that each keystroke feels fluid and responsive. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is designed with an incredibly light actuation force, allowing for an effortless typing feel that accommodates prolonged use without fatigue. The ease of pressing the Yunhai might be ideal for users who prioritize speed and gentleness in their typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more substantial resistance that can add a tactile richness to each keystroke.
Considering all the information, typists will find that both the HMX Sunset Gleam and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to different tastes in sound and feel. The Sunset Gleam appeals to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback combined with a balanced typing sensation, while the Yunhai offers a light, easily actuated experience with a deep sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and typing feel, but both can provide satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself drawn to a switch that combines a light bottom out force with a satisfying clack and a smooth top-out feel, the Sunset Gleam may be the ideal choice for you. Its factory lube enhances the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a refined tactile feedback and sound during their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a deep, rounded sound profile that offers an effortless typing experience, then the Yunhai switch would suit your needs better. The Yunhai's unique auditory characteristics and gentle feel make it perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort and ease of use take precedence. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance of sound and feel, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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