HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer compelling options for enthusiasts, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to varied preferences. The HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless experience; perfect for typists who value comfort and a cozy touch. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches stand out with their ultra-light actuation and short travel distance, designed for lightning-fast keystrokes and an engaging thocky sound, ideal for gamers and those who prioritize speed. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasurable typing experience, yet they cater to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 HMX Gravel and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, one can observe notable differences in the materials used for their top housings, leading to distinct audio experiences. The Gravel switch features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic allows for a bright and resonant typing experience that accentuates keystrokes, particularly beneficial for those who appreciate the tactile feedback. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing also enhances the effect of RGB lighting, giving users an impressive visual display alongside their auditory experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver employs a POM top housing that generates a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM, while still a quality material, produces a less pronounced sound compared to polycarbonate, indicating that users might experience a softer acoustic feedback when typing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a different yet somewhat similar dynamic. The Gravel's bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic switch material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, providing a fuller, deeper auditory experience. This contrasts with the Smoothie Silver’s POM bottom housing, which also touts a pleasing sound profile but remains on the deeper side and more muted, akin to the Gravel’s nylon. Although both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, the outcome in sound quality leans towards the familiar due to the inherent characteristics of each material—POM and nylon—both producing a deeper timbre while dampening noise to some extent. Each material's distinct properties might still result in a similar overall acoustic performance, crucial for enthusiasts looking for a specific typing feel.
When considering the complete switch assembly, it's clear that the combination of materials for both top and bottom housings plays a vital role in the final sound profile and typing experience. For instance, while the Gravel switch may deliver sharper notes from its polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom rounds those notes out, resulting in an engaging blend of sound variability. The Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, maintains a warmer and muffled character with a similar approach, as its POM materials offer muted feedback. Thus, even though they harness different housing materials, the user can anticipate a comparable auditory signature—albeit with nuanced differences—highlighting the importance of both the top and bottom housing in shaping a switch’s performance.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they provide a consistent and light keystroke experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, signifying that it offers a slightly firmer feel when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, leaving uncertainty around its overall resistance when fully depressed. Consequently, while both switches perform similarly during actuation, the Gravel is the heavier option due to its specified bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. In summary, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a bit more resistance at bottoming out, the Gravel may suit you better, whereas the Smoothie Silver's performance remains uncertain when fully pressed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Gravel offers a more substantial travel experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suited for gamers seeking quicker response times and faster actuation, although some may find it feels too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you lean towards responsiveness and speed, the Gateron Smoothie Silver might be the better option, whereas those who value a deeper keystroke would likely enjoy the HMX Gravel.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel switch is noted for its overall quietness, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a distinct thocky sound that many find pleasing, providing auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. It's important to keep in mind that the final sound profile of both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard plate and the keycaps used.
When discussing feel, the Gravel switch is characterized by its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that tends towards the lighter side. This provides a responsive and effortless typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver also boasts remarkable smoothness alongside a feather-light touch and a short travel distance, resulting in rapid actuation perfect for fast typists or gamers. Both switches prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, but the Gravel may feel a touch more controlled while the Smoothie Silver appeals to those who prefer a more immediate activation.
Ultimately, both the HMX Gravel and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches cater to enthusiasts who value a high-quality typing experience, but they come with distinct auditory qualities and nuanced feels. For those seeking a quieter switch with a refined touch, the Gravel is an excellent choice. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver offers a unique thocky sound combined with an ultra-light actuation for those who enjoy rapid keypresses. Depending on your specific preferences for sound and feel, either switch could prove to be an outstanding addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force and value an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Gravel would be an ideal choice. It's perfect for those who enjoy a refined feel while typing and would appreciate the satisfaction of a gently responsive switch that doesn’t require much effort. On the other hand, if you're looking for speed and quick actuation with a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver is the way to go. Its short travel distance allows for swift key presses, making it an excellent option for gaming where every millisecond counts. Additionally, if sound is a critical factor for you, consider that while the Gravel offers a smooth typing experience, the thocky sound of the Smoothie Silver adds a unique auditory satisfaction. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, refined typing feel or rapid actuation and lightweight feedback.
Mentioned in this article
