HMX EVA vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EVA and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as excellent linear options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and styles. The HMX EVA, inspired by the striking colors of Evangelion Unit-01, offers a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience, making it a great choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is an all-POM switch that prioritizes affordability without sacrificing quality, providing a thocky sound profile paired with exceptional smoothness, appealing to budget-conscious users who still desire a premium feel. While both switches deliver a satisfying linear experience, their individual sound profiles and materials can influence your typing enjoyment. 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
3.60 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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EVA and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie differ significantly in terms of the materials used for their housing, which in turn influences the sound and tactile experience of each switch. The EVA employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. The EVA's all-nylon construction ensures that the sound is consistent across both the upward and downward motions of the switch, leading to a cohesive typing experience that emphasizes a muted yet rich tone.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile. POM is a harder plastic compared to nylon, yet it also contributes to a deeper sound, albeit with a slightly different character. While both switches aim for a muted sound profile, the POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a distinct auditory experience that might be considered sharper or clearer compared to the rounded tones of the EVA. The differences in materials mean that each switch brings its unique qualities to the typing experience, with POM housing creating a different feel when bottoming out, even if both aim for a similar sound depth.
Ultimately, the results realized from typing on both switches do possess commonalities: both material choices—nylon for the EVA and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie—contribute to the pronounced depth in sound that typists seek. Each material's characteristics will produce a fuller sound in its own way, providing users with a pleasant typing experience. However, the nylon's sound absorption capacity and the higher clarity of the POM lead to subtle differences in the overall auditory feedback. Therefore, while the switches can yield satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, the specific materials chosen will inherently shape the nuances of each typing experience, ultimately catering to different preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The EVA switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience during long periods of use, whether at work or during extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which could appeal to users seeking a more substantial, forceful typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the EVA is 48 grams, providing a consistent feel when the switch is fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about its overall feel upon reaching the bottom. Overall, the EVA switch is lighter, suitable for extended typing, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a heavier actuation that might appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The EVA switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances appealing for responsive key presses—often favored by gamers—the EVA switch provides a marginally shorter travel distance. For those who prioritize quick response times, the EVA may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may be more suited for users who enjoy a fuller keystroke experience, offering a little more depth without feeling too abrupt.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EVA switch is renowned for its resonant sound signature, which typically produces a unique acoustic character that can enhance the overall typing experience. This quality may lend itself to a more noticeable auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, a rich and deep sound that offers a different kind of auditory enjoyment. Both switches’ sound will vary depending on the keyboard assembly, such as the choice of the board and keycaps, but users can expect distinct auditory experiences from each.
When considering the feel, the HMX EVA switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, which indicates a refined and effortless keystroke that can make long typing sessions more enjoyable. This smoothness contributes to a pleasant tactile experience, allowing for quick and seamless operation. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides exceptional smoothness with a medium-weight actuation, perfect for those who prefer a switch that feels balanced without being overly heavy. Though both switches are designed to deliver smooth keystrokes, the EVA’s silky feel may appeal to those who appreciate a lighter touch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may cater to users seeking a slightly more substantial response.
Overall, both the HMX EVA and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The EVA stands out with its resonant sound and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience paired with effortless typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie impresses with its thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, offering a robust typing experience at an accessible price point. Ultimately, whether you choose the EVA or the Smoothie, you can expect a satisfying experience, but your choice will hinge on which sound and feel resonate more with your personal typing comfort.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique aesthetic inspired by Evangelion, the HMX EVA is an excellent option. With its 48 grams of bottom-out force, it can provide a satisfying, responsive feel that’s perfect for those who enjoy rapid key presses and a little bit of flair with its resonant sound signature. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth typing experience that strikes a balance between weight and performance, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be your best bet. While its exact bottom-out force is unspecified, this medium-weight all-POM switch offers a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider the feel and sound attributes of each switch: EVA provides a uniquely resonant feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in overall smoothness. By understanding these nuances, you can make an informed decision that enhances your typing or gaming experience to match your individual style.
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