HMX Game1989 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience, and two standout options are the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smooth keystrokes and a satisfying auditory feedback, particularly appealing for gamers and writers alike. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more tactile experience, featuring a subtle to moderate bump that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming, while its balanced sound profile ensures a pleasing acoustic backdrop. For those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted typing experience, the HMX 1989 excels, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy feeling a distinct, yet subtle feedback with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Weightlessness, distinct characteristics emerge that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its stiffer construction. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture which allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the acoustics of each switch but also creates varying tactile sensations during use, leading to a unique typing experience for each model.
Both the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housing, an aspect where they converge. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that users of both switches will experience a similar auditory quality characterized by a deeper and rounder sound profile. As nylon tends to absorb sound rather than amplifying it, the bottom-out feel and sound will resonate similarly despite the differing top housings. Therefore, while the top housing distinctly shapes the sound upon releasing a key, the use of nylon in the base contributes a common chord to the overall sound profile in both switches, grounding them in a deeper acoustic tone.
In synthesizing these elements, the interaction between the different top and bottom housing materials creates a layered sound experience when typing. The HMX 1989's polycarbonate top gives it a clear, bright tonal quality, which contrasts with the Weightlessness's nylon, creating a more muted sound at the key release. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ties the two switches together with a common base sound that resonates similarly during key presses. Ultimately, while the materials lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile outputs, the incorporation of nylon in both switches ensures that they retain a level of acoustic familiarity, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate both the nuanced differences and the underlying similarities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the HMX 1989 for its lower actuation force. However, the Gateron Weightlessness lacks a specified bottom out force, which makes it difficult to fully assess how it compares in that regard to the HMX 1989, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams. Consequently, while the HMX 1989 provides a measurable and substantial bottoming out experience, the unknown bottom out for the Weightlessness leaves that aspect open for interpretation. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter touch for longer typing durations, the HMX 1989 would likely be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness may appeal to those looking for a stronger push feel, even if the specifics aren’t completely defined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gateron Weightlessness could be more appealing due to its shorter actuation distance, allowing for quicker key presses—an aspect often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the HMX 1989 provides a deeper, more tactile experience that some may find more satisfying, especially those who enjoy the sensation of a longer travel distance. Ultimately, those who appreciate hearty depth in their keystrokes would gravitate towards the HMX 1989, whereas those looking for rapid response times might opt for the Gateron Weightlessness.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustics, which give it a rich and satisfying auditory experience when typing. The sound profile is particularly appealing to users who appreciate a heavier thud with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a sound profile that is balanced, complementing its tactile characteristics without being overly harsh or pronounced. This results in a quieter typing experience while still providing enough auditory feedback to satisfy users who enjoy a subtle sound when they type.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch offers a smooth linear action that glides effortlessly without any tactile bumps or interruptions, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a fluid keystroke without the distraction of feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a tactile experience that ranges from subtle to moderate, giving the user a gentle nudge at the actuation point without being jarring. This tactile feedback enhances typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while still maintaining a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the 1989 excels in providing deep, resonant sound and a smooth linear feel, the Weightlessness offers a balanced sound with satisfying tactile feedback. Users who appreciate a thockier sound and linear action may prefer the 1989, whereas those who enjoy a tactile bump with a more muted sound profile might lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch provides the best typing experience for individual users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you are a gamer or typist who enjoys a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience complemented by a satisfying "thocky" sound, the HMX 1989 switch may be ideal for you, especially with its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, making it accessible for extended use without significant finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that provides subtle feedback while maintaining a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is a commendable choice. Its tactile characteristics can enhance your typing experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness in your typing experience or the subtle tactile feedback for a more nuanced feel. Each switch offers distinct advantages tailored to different needs, ensuring you'll find the right fit based on your personal preferences.
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