HMX FJ400 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX FJ400 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct options for users who prefer linear switches, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice for a variety of typing experiences while providing an enjoyable tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out due to its medium-weight design and thocky sound profile, offering a delightful auditory experience alongside its renowned smoothness—all at an accessible price point. While both switches excel in providing a seamless typing experience, their sound and feel cater to differing user tastes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 FJ400 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit notable similarities in their top housing materials, both utilizing POM (Polyoxymethylene). This commonality results in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile characterized by a deeper and more muted tonal quality. POM is renowned for its ability to dampen sound, creating a satisfying acoustic experience for users. As a result, both switches deliver a consistent auditory feedback that many typists favor, providing an environment conducive to quieter typing sessions without sacrificing performance. Users can expect that the similar POM top housings will produce like sound characteristics, contributing to a distinctly pleasant typing experience across these two switch varieties.
Contrasting the bottom housings, the FJ400 employs nylon while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM housing. Nylon is traditionally recognized for its sound-dampening qualities due to its relatively softer composition, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. This material excels at absorbing sound, creating a more subdued acoustic environment. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie, while also effective in creating a pleasant sound, might result in a slightly different auditory experience, albeit with a similarity in sound profile due to the shared POM material in both housings. Consequently, the contrasting materials can lead to varied experiences in terms of sound and feel—each offering distinct qualities that define the overall typing experience.
The interaction of these materials contributes to the tactile experience when typing. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon material in the FJ400 will impart a softer sensation with a fuller sound upon key actuation. In contrast, the POM bottom housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie may yield a sound closer in character to the top housing, potentially offering a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. However, since both switches share the POM top housing, they will likely maintain a similar auditory output when releasing the key, allowing users to enjoy a harmonious blend of sounds. Overall, the combination of these distinct materials profoundly shapes the user experience, offering both contrast and similarity that can appeal to a variety of preferences among typists.
Weight
The HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation forces, though they both cater to distinct preferences in typing feel. The FJ400 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams but lacks a specified bottom out force, making it uncertain how it compares in that aspect. For typists and gamers who favor lighter switches for extended sessions without finger fatigue, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile experience, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the FJ400 could be more satisfying. While the actuation forces are close, ensuring a comfortable typing experience, the unknown bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie leaves its overall feel somewhat ambiguous compared to the more defined characteristics of the FJ400.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the FJ400 features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the FJ400 the longer of the two, offering a more pronounced keystroke depth that some users might prefer for a more tactile feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter distance, may provide quicker responsiveness, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Ultimately, if you prefer a more substantial travel distance for a fuller typing experience, the FJ400 would be the better choice. Conversely, for those who favor speed and a snappier feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, which means it strikes a middle ground that can appeal to users looking for something that neither harsh nor overly muted. This quality can make it suitable for various environments, as it won’t disturb others excessively while still giving satisfying auditory feedback when key presses are executed. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deeper, more resonant tone that is often favored by enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced audio experience when typing. Both switches' sounds will also be influenced by factors like the typing surface and keycap materials, allowing users to achieve personalized audio characteristics.
Regarding feel, the FJ400 boasts a smooth operation typical of linear switches, making every keystroke a frictionless experience, promoting an effortless typing style. Its consistent actuation can lead to reduced fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to offer exceptional smoothness as well, thanks to its all-POM construction. This build not only enhances the smoothness of key presses but also contributes to a luxurious tactile experience, which many users find preferable. When both switches are compared, they provide smooth action and reliability on the keyboard, although the subjective feeling may vary based on personal preference.
In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique yet appealing sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The FJ400 delivers a balanced sound and smooth feel, making it a versatile choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its richer thocky sound and exceptional smoothness. Depending on your priorities—whether you value auditory feedback or tactile comfort—both options present solid choices for a satisfying typing experience, and you may attain similar satisfaction in performance and usability with either variant.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice should depend on your specific preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the FJ400 could be your ideal choice, as it provides a reliable tactile experience that fits a variety of applications, from typing to gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that excels in smoothness and offers a thocky sound profile without a defined bottom-out force, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be more appealing to you. This switch is designed for those who value a premium feel at a more accessible price point. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prefer a more standardized typing experience with the FJ400 or the unique, luxurious sensation of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Understanding these characteristics will help you choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and personal preferences.
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