HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as compelling choices for different types of users. The HMX Cheese, known for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-lightweight design, offers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize speed and a responsive typing experience. With its weight lighter than 90% of all switches available, it's particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prefer a quick actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight alternative that breaks the price barrier while maintaining exceptional quality. With its "thocky" sound profile, this switch balances smoothness with a satisfying auditory feedback, making it a great pick for users seeking a combination of performance and a premium feel without breaking the bank. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present a comparison of two distinct housing materials that affect their acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Cheese's top and bottom housings, made from nylon, offer a deeper sound profile characterized by a fuller and rounder tone. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and dampens the resonance when typing. Consequently, users can expect a more muted and satisfying audio feedback when engaging with these switches. On the flip side, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top and bottom housings utilize POM (polyoxymethylene), a material known for producing a unique and pleasant sound. POM also contributes to a deeper sound profile, though it tends to echo a slightly different auditory quality compared to nylon, resulting in a distinct typing experience.
While both switches exhibit deeper sound profiles, the differences in their materials create unique textures and subtleties in the sounds produced. The impact of nylon in the Cheese's housing typically results in a roundness and warmth in the character of the sound, making it appealing for users who appreciate a soft and nuanced audio feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM construction offers a relatively more muted sound, which can create a distinctive acoustic signature that emphasizes a crisp and clear keystroke. The choice of material plays a critical role in not only the auditory experience but also in how the switches feel upon bottoming out and releasing, with nylon providing a softer landing compared to the somewhat firmer sensation of POM.
Ultimately, if you're looking for a specific typing experience, you may find that choosing between nylon and POM comes down to personal preference for auditory and tactile feedback. Although the HMX Cheese and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials, they both achieve a similar outcome in providing a deeper sound profile, thus appealing to users who prioritize muted keystrokes. In cases where switch design is critical, such as gaming or typing scenarios that demand long hours at the keyboard, the combination of different housing materials can be leveraged to achieve a balanced and pleasing overall typing experience, creating potential for users to enjoy similar results tailored to their specific auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The HMX Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, classifying it as a light switch that is ideal for users seeking a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting it may provide a more substantial push feel that some typists prefer for a firmer feedback. The absence of a specified bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie leaves some ambiguity regarding its full travel experience. Consequently, if you prioritize a lighter switch, the HMX Cheese is the better option, while those favoring a heavier switch might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the HMX Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option, providing a snappier response ideal for gamers seeking quick key presses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress experience. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your goal, the HMX Cheese would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users seeking a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 Cheese switches offer a unique auditory experience characterized by a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This lively sound profile makes each keystroke feel engaging and pronounced. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches produce a thocky sound profile that is often associated with a deeper resonance, providing a more muted yet satisfying auditory feedback. It’s important to note that both sound signatures can be influenced by various factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials, which means users may achieve differing results based on their setups.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are notable for their unparalleled smoothness, which provides a pristine typing experience. The ultra-light design makes them easier to actuate, catering to users who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer a medium-weight feel that strikes a balance between light and firm, allowing for a reliable typing experience without being too heavy. Both switches are designed to deliver an enjoyable tactile interaction, but they cater to slightly different user preferences in terms of actuation force.
Overall, the HMX Cheese and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different types of users. While the Cheese excels in delivering a playful, clacky sound and a featherlight touch, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a richer, thocky sound along with a more balanced typing experience. By understanding these qualities, newcomers can make an informed choice based on their personal preferences, and whether they seek auditory joy or a comfortable typing experience, both switches have the potential to deliver satisfaction based on their individual attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy an ultra-light switch that offers a unique combination of a smooth feel and a satisfying clacky, poppy sound, the HMX Cheese may be the perfect choice for you. This switch excels in providing a playful and vibrant typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback during their gaming sessions or typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that balances weight and sound quality, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be your go-to option. It delivers a thocky sound profile that is more muted yet still offers a pleasurable typing experience, catering to users who enjoy a more subdued auditory element while maintaining exceptional smoothness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style—whether you lean towards the light and lively Cheese for a spirited experience, or the robust and refined Sea Salt Smoothie for more serious work and immersive gaming.
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