HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Smoothie stand out as two noteworthy linear options, each catering to unique user preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that makes for a nimble and responsive typing experience. This switch maintains a satisfying smoothness, perfect for enthusiasts seeking performance without resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, crafted entirely from POM, presents a budget-friendly alternative without compromising quality. Known for its thocky sound signature and lightweight touch, the Smoothie delivers a unique auditory experience that can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a softer, more subdued keypress. Both switches aim to enhance comfort and efficiency, yet they cater to differing preferences—one prioritizing a refined feel, while the other focuses on cost-effectiveness and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Smoothie, it's important to note the distinct properties of their respective top housings. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate particularly effective in environments where clear auditory feedback is desired, especially in RGB setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute unique auditory characteristics, the Gravel's polycarbonate is designed to resonate more sharply, whereas the Smoothie’s POM puts forth a warmer, softer tone.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a further contrast, yet also similarity, in the materials used in the Gravel and Smoothie. The Gravel is constructed with a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. This results in a sound profile that feels round and rich during typing. Similarly, the Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing, which is noted for its unique and pleasing auditory qualities, though it maintains a deeper and more muted profile similar to that of nylon. Thus, while the materials are different, the end result in terms of achieving a muted sound profile is reminiscent, allowing users of either switch to experience certain auditory qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound of each switch when pressed. The characteristics of the Gravel's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom contribute to a distinctive typing sensation, with the polycarbonate enhancing key release sound and the nylon enriching bottom-out feel. Conversely, the Smoothie's dual use of POM across both housing sections yields a more consistent but muted auditory experience. For users exploring these switches, the similarities in deeper sound profiles between the Smoothie and Gravel’s components suggest that one can achieve fulfilling auditory outcomes regardless of the top and bottom material variations, underlining how the combined effects lead to unique results in sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Smoothie's lighter 40 grams. This difference means that the Gravel switch requires a bit more pressure to register a keystroke, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer push feel for an enhanced typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Gravel also has a defined measurement of 50 grams, indicating a consistent feedback when pressing the key all the way down. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie's bottom out force is unspecified, leaving it uncertain how it might feel when bottoming out. Overall, the Gravel can be considered the heavier option, suitable for users looking for firmness, while the Smoothie offers a lighter touch ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Despite the Smoothie's unknown bottom out force, both switches provide a unique typing feel, with the Gravel ensuring a more substantial experience at the expense of a slightly higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see that the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel for quicker key presses, such as gamers who seek fast response times. Conversely, the Smoothie's longer 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more pronounced depth that some users find comforting compared to the abruptness of shorter switches. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gravel would be your preferred choice, while those who appreciate a bit more travel may lean toward the 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 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 Gravel switch remains an unknown factor, as there is no specific descriptor provided to characterize its acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is known for its thocky sound signature, which produces a deep and rich auditory feedback that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. This is complemented by its low-pitched tone, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow sound that is both satisfying and inviting. Additionally, the subdued nature of the Smoothie results in a dampened sound profile that is more subtle compared to other switches, making it appealing for those who prefer a less intrusive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gravel again presents a gap in information, leaving the nature of its tactile feedback and keystroke experience undefined. However, the Gateron Smoothie is celebrated for its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations. These descriptors highlight an effortless and fluid typing experience, with the Smoothie delivering a seamless transition through the keypress. This smoothness is attributed to the materials used and possibly lubrication applied during manufacturing, which helps create a luxurious tactile feedback that feels effortless and enjoyable with each keystroke.
In summary, while the HMX Gravel switch boasts exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that promises a refined typing feel, its auditory qualities remain a mystery. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie provides an admirable acoustic profile with its thocky and subdued sound, accompanied by a delightful typing sensation characterized by buttery and silky smoothness. For those seeking an optimal typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Smoothie's clearly defined characteristics offering a more immediate understanding of what to expect in both sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. If you prefer a medium-light actuation with a touch of smoothness and are looking for a switch that delivers a refined typing experience, the HMX Gravel is your best bet. It's perfect for those who enjoy a responsive touch without much effort while still benefiting from a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you are after a lighter touch and a more pronounced sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie may be more appealing. Its thocky sound signature combined with a creamy and buttery feel provides an enjoyable and immersive typing experience, ideal for those who value an auditory feedback along with a smooth keystroke. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing feel and sound you prioritize in your setup—whether it’s the responsive ease of the Gravel or the delightful auditory charm of the Smoothie—to find the switch that fits your needs best.
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