HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two excellent options at your disposal. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, delivering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. Being lighter than 90% of all switches, the Cheese offers a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its affordability without compromising quality, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Cheese switch offers a light and unique typing experience, the Smoothie switch provides a thocky and smooth feel at a lower price point. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique sound profiles when typing. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing creates a more muted and pleasing sound, leaning towards the deeper side. While both materials offer a deep sound profile, the Cheese's nylon top housing may produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches use different materials with distinct effects on typing experience. The Cheese's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes to its unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the Cheese. Despite the different materials used for the bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on each part of the switch, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, greatly influence the overall typing experience when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing material, whether nylon or POM, has more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the materials used for the top and bottom housings may differ between the Cheese and Smoothie, both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams but no information on the bottom out force. Despite this, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience compared to other switches on the market. The lighter actuation force of the Smoothie may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Cheese may offer a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the overall feel of the key press. Those who prefer a more responsive and quicker key press may lean towards the Cheese switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses may opt for the Smoothie switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific feel that each individual desires in their keyboard switches.
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 $3.99.
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying, with a low-pitched and subdued tone that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant sound, with the Cheese switch leaning towards a crispier tone while the Smoothie switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, delivering an effortless keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience that feels like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer a remarkable level of smoothness and fluidity, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese and Gateron Smoothie linear switches each have their distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cheese switch emphasizes a crispier sound and a light touch, the Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound and a buttery, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a high-quality typing experience. Whether you opt for the Cheese or Smoothie switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should opt for the Cheese if you prefer an ultra-light switch with a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature. The Cheese offers a light typing experience that is in a class of its own. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that shatters the price barrier without compromising on quality and provides a thocky sound signature with remarkable smoothness, then the Smoothie is the way to go. The Smoothie offers a lightweight touch and a deep, rich satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing experience and sound signature (Cheese) or smoothness and quality at a lower price point (Smoothie).
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