HMX Game1989 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX 1989, a standout in the HMX Film switch series, is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile and robust design, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a more tactile feel without the clickiness of traditional switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, strikes an excellent balance by delivering a similarly thocky sound while emphasizing smooth operation, all at an accessible price point. Each switch has distinct qualities that can influence your choice, whether you prioritize a deeper auditory feedback with the HMX 1989 or silky-smooth keystrokes with the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, several distinctions can be drawn based on the characteristics of both their top and bottom housings. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality stems from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the acoustic profile. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. The inherent properties of POM contribute to this unique sound profile, allowing users to enjoy an alternative auditory experience when typing.
Moving to the bottom housings, the distinctions continue to surface. The HMX 1989 employs a nylon bottom housing, a traditional choice in mechanical switches that delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound effectively, creating a dull and rounded acoustic character. On the other hand, Gateron's Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also crafted from POM, which emphasizes muted characteristics akin to the switch’s top housing. The common use of POM in both the top and bottom housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie solidifies its cohesive sound profile, whereas the HMX 1989 achieves two different acoustic signatures by employing nylon and polycarbonate materials.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to varying preferences. For users seeking crisper, sharper sounds, the HMX 1989 would be preferable due to its polycarbonate top housing. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a deeper, more muted sound would likely gravitate towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, particularly its POM materials. If utilizing the same acoustic material across both housing components—as in the case of the Sea Salt Smoothie—consistency in sound profile will be evident, reinforcing the user's experience with each stroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on the desired sound characteristics and the tactile experience that each housing material affords.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The 1989 switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the 1989 is the lighter option, which may be more appealing for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Regarding bottom out forces, the HMX 1989 has a measurable bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a definitive feel when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving uncertainty about how it might compare in depth of keystroke feedback. If the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie were to be known and potentially similar to that of the 1989, users would experience similar results in typing feel; however, as it stands, the 1989 provides a clearer understanding of the overall typing experience due to its known specifications.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing the HMX 1989, users will experience a deeper key press, potentially providing a more tactile feedback that some may find satisfying. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who prefer faster response times, making it a great choice for gamers looking for quick actuation. Ultimately, the HMX 1989 is the longer travel option, allowing for a more pronounced key press, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel, which could be appealing for users who prioritize speed over depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 1989 linear switch is best known for producing a deeply resonant and thocky profile, making it pleasurable to type on while also offering the character found in classic mechanical keyboards. Similarly, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also features a thocky sound that combines with its overall smoothness, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches highlight this thocky quality, which can enhance the typing experience depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection, yet each may offer slight nuances in resonance resulting from their unique designs.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989's reputation points to an exceptionally smooth and responsive action that many users crave in a linear switch, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is also noted for its smooth operation, thanks to its POM construction, providing a touch of responsiveness paired with a comfortable weight. Overall, both switches prioritize a smooth feel, making them great choices for typists who appreciate seamless keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offer complementary attributes that cater to enthusiasts seeking thocky sound profiles paired with smooth typing experiences. While the specifics of sound and feel may vary slightly, users can expect a high level of quality and satisfaction from either switch, making them both strong contenders for a mechanical keyboard customization. Whether you lean towards the 1989 for its classic depth or the Sea Salt Smoothie for its blend of affordability and quality, you are likely to enjoy a refined typing experience reminiscent of the best traits offered by linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience that emphasizes sound and feel. It is particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who appreciate a smooth activation with a pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that focuses on exceptional smoothness and an appealing thocky sound without the stress of determining specific actuation weights, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better option. Its all-POM design promises durability and a satisfying typing experience at a competitive price point, making it ideal for those who prioritize a smooth feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, assess your typing style and auditory preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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