HMX Canglan V2 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound, and two standout linear options—the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie—embody this diversity well. The Canglan V2 has garnered attention for its thocky sound signature and feather-light action, thanks to its thoughtfully engineered materials and advanced molding techniques that cater to enthusiasts seeking a deeper auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users looking for a medium-weight switch that strikes a balance between smooth operation and affordability, without compromising on quality. While the Canglan V2 may attract those who prioritize a plush typing experience and auditory satisfaction, the Sea Salt Smoothie shines for its price-to-performance ratio, offering an engaging feel at a lower cost. 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
42g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie feature distinct housing materials that contribute uniquely to their auditory experiences and tactile sensations. The Canglan V2 employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Known for its softer properties, nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material's ability to muffle higher frequencies brings about a rounder auditory character, making it ideal for users who appreciate a less harsh typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which, while also delivering a muted sound profile, emphasizes a pleasing and unique auditory quality. The POM material, while harder than nylon, also contributes to a deeper sound, albeit with a different textural feel due to its different acoustic properties.
When analyzing the bottom housings, both the Canglan V2's nylon and the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM contribute to the overall sound and feel when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Canglan V2 continues to foster that softer, more rounded sound experience, which effectively absorbs impact during bottoming out. On the other hand, the POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a contrasting take; while it still produces a muted sound, its firmer nature provides a different tactile feedback upon actuation. Consequently, while both switches feature deeper sound profiles, they achieve this through different material dynamics, leading to unique typing experiences that can appeal to different user preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Canglan V2 and the Sea Salt Smoothie comes down to personal taste, as both switches offer solid sound profiles but utilize different materials to achieve their respective qualities. If users prefer the rounded feel and fuller sound of nylon, the Canglan V2 stands out as an excellent option. However, those seeking a slightly sharper yet still muted experience may gravitate toward the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing. Despite their differences, both options are designed to deliver satisfying auditory feedback and typing experiences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs, whether they’re looking for the velvety depths of nylon or the unique sound characteristics of POM.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Canglan V2 is notably lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a heavier feel that could be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, which limits a direct comparison with the Canglan V2’s bottom out force of 48 grams. This means while both switches may have comparable bottom out experiences if the Sea Salt Smoothie's were known and found to be similar, the Canglan V2 will generally be the lighter option, appealing to those seeking a softer touch, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's heavier actuation force may attract users who prefer a more tactile resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a noticeable difference is evident. The Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter of the two, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which provides a bit more depth. For users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Canglan V2 may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, those who favor a more substantial feel when typing may find the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance of 3.7 mm more satisfying. Overall, the distinction between these switches caters to different preferences regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
The HMX Canglan V2 switch produces a notably deep and thocky sound signature, which is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound quality is enhanced by its thoughtfully engineered blend of materials and advanced molding techniques, making it a standout option among linear switches. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, also boasts a thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying auditory response that aligns well with user expectations for a quality linear switch. It's important to note, however, that the acoustic experience of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap choice, so one may find minor variations across different setups.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 is characterized by a smooth, light touch that allows for swift keystrokes while providing a satisfying feedback that many enthusiasts crave. Its design aims to offer a pleasant typing experience that can cater to both fast typists and those who enjoy a more deliberate pace. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is described as a medium-weight switch, which provides its own unique feel. This balance can result in a reliable and pleasant typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a bit more resistance while still enjoying a smooth operation. Both switches ultimately provide a smooth typing experience, but the differences in weight may cater to varied personal preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches are excellent linear options, each presenting their own unique auditory and tactile characteristics. The Canglan V2 stands out with its thocky sound and light feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a similar thocky sound with a medium-weight feel that may suit different typing styles. Depending on your individual preferences and setup, you might find one switch more appealing than the other, but both are likely to deliver satisfying experiences that fulfill the desires of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a satisfying, thocky sound that enhances your overall typing experience, you'll likely appreciate the Canglan V2. Its well-considered 48-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer quick, effortless keystrokes, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness while also breaking the price barrier, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. The design allows for a unique user experience, flagging its medium-weight characteristics, which strike a balance between control and comfort. Ultimately, your selection should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, more tactile feel with a pronounced sound signature or seek the smooth, high-quality experience offered by the Sea Salt Smoothie. Both switches have their unique strengths, so align your choice with your personal typing preferences and sound aesthetics for the best overall enjoyment.
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