HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of options, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. On one hand, the HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, it allows for a responsive and effortless typing experience, making it an enticing choice for those who prioritize speed and comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly different personality with its medium-weight all-POM construction. This switch breaks the price barrier while delivering a thocky sound profile that many users find satisfying, offering a balance of smoothness and auditory feedback. Although both switches cater to linear switch aficionados, their distinct features make them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, we see a notable distinction in the top housing components. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing that is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper, more muted sound. While polycarbonate enhances the brightness and clarity, POM leans toward a warmer tonal experience. Both housings contribute to distinct auditory differences when interacting with RGB lighting effects; polycarbonate arguably allows for a more vibrant presentation due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize materials that contribute to deeper sound profiles, yet they differ in composition. The HMX Gravel employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more pronounced acoustic experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM in its bottom housing as well, which also produces a deeper sound, though it offers a distinctively unique auditory quality. Thus, while both materials create similar deep sound profiles, the softer nylon used in the Gravel can provide a slightly differing feel and response compared to the POM bottom of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
If we consider how the varied top and bottom materials interact, it becomes clear that each switch would yield different sensory experiences. The qualities of each housing material are divided; with the top housing affecting the released sound and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out experience. Consequently, pressing the HMX Gravel will produce a blend of sharp sounds derived from its polycarbonate top and a fuller depth from its nylon bottom, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will offer a more harmonious sound characterized primarily by the muted tones of its POM components. Although the switches might share similarities, particularly in depth, the wider acoustic profiles will ultimately result in nuanced yet distinctive typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Gravel features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more effortless typing experience, particularly during long sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel while typing; however, its bottom out force is unknown, leaving some uncertainty about how firm its complete keypress will feel. This means that while the Gravel is definitively the lighter option, the heavier Sea Salt Smoothie could appeal to those who prefer added resistance. If the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie were to be similar to that of the Gravel, users would experience a comparable typing experience with a different nuance tied to the actuation force alone.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe that the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gravel switch provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie, which may appeal to users seeking quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie could cater to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress, delivering a sense of depth that some may find more satisfying. Hence, if you prioritize rapid actuation, the Gravel would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a well-defined key feel might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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 Gravel linear switch is characterized by a smooth and subdued profile, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience that is ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, offers a "thocky" sound profile, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud. This difference in sound can influence user preference, especially in shared spaces or for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory response during typing, but it’s worth noting that sound can also be affected by various factors such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that promotes a light and responsive typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for users who may prefer a quick and effortless keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium-weight actuation force, providing a slightly more substantial feel that can appeal to typists who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. Both switches, despite their differences, promise a smooth tactile experience, although the Gravel leans towards a lighter touch compared to the more robust feel of the Smoothie.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Gravel provides a quiet, smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a more pronounced auditory satisfaction with its thocky sound and slightly heavier feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal typing style and sensory preferences, but both switches will deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a typing experience that is both light and responsive, the Gravel switch with its 50-gram bottom-out force may be the optimal choice for you, especially if you're looking for something that feels exceptionally smooth and allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal effort. Its medium-light actuation makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming or writing, without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a more pronounced 'thock' sound profile while also enjoying a smooth key press, then the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better option. This switch provides a medium-weight feel that may cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance, enhancing the tactile feedback during your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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