HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Melodic

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in defining the tactile feedback and overall satisfaction. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is best known for its ultra-light actuation force, which surpasses that of 80% of all switches, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that many users find irresistible. Its sound signature is characterized by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy tone, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without the heft of traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic reinvigorates the clicky switch category by integrating recent advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring that users can experience the classic, resonant click and tactile feedback they crave, all while maintaining a buttery smoothness. While both switches cater to different preferences—smoothness versus a tactile click—each offers unique benefits that appeal to a range of typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Hibiscus Linear

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Melodic, notable differences arise primarily from their respective top housing materials. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is widely recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon being a softer plastic that naturally absorbs more sound, resulting in a muted and rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Melodic employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, facilitating a sharper and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material enhances the overall clarity and resonance of sound emitted by the switch, providing a distinct auditory experience that is particularly beneficial for setups featuring RGB lighting.

However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, a similarity emerges as both the Hibiscus and Melodic utilize nylon materials. This shared characteristic means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses, as the nylon bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel. This creates a cohesive effect between the two switches when they are actively used, fostering a common auditory experience despite the difference in top housing materials. Consequently, users can expect consistent sound characteristics when bottoming out a key, irrespective of which switch is being utilized.

Ultimately, the differing top housings of these switches influence the overall sound profile while keying, whereas their identical bottom housings maintain a shared acoustic quality during the bottom-out phase. The Hibiscus’s nylon top lends a rounded sound that contrasts with the crisper notes produced by the polycarbonate of the Melodic. As a result, while utilizing both switches can yield unique auditory experiences dictated by the top materials, the foundation provided by the nylon bottoms harmonizes the overall sound quality, allowing for a delightful blend of properties from both switches when engaged.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, notable differences emerge in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Hibiscus switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended sessions, whether at work or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 60 grams. This heavier bottom out force contributes to a more substantial feel when typing, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. Therefore, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Hibiscus is lighter overall, catering to those who prioritize a softer touch, while the Melodic provides a heavier experience, ideal for typists seeking a firmer feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that there is a distinction between the two. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Melodic offers a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter option, which can be advantageous for those seeking faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Melodic, with its greater depth, may appeal to users who prefer a more satisfying tactile experience, as longer travel distances often provide a feeling of more robust feedback. Therefore, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences, with the Hibiscus catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, and the Melodic suited for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience that many users find enjoyable. Its acoustic profile is likely complemented by the smoothness of its actuation, allowing for a consistently pleasant sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile that brings a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp auditory experience to the table. While both switches deliver a distinctive sound around which users can build their typing experience, the Hibiscus leans more toward a clacky tone, while the Melodic emphasizes resonance and crunchiness, appealing to those who enjoy the traditional clicky experience.

When examining the feel of each switch, the HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, which results in a pristine typing experience that feels effortless as fingers glide across the keys. This quality is essential for users seeking a seamless typing sensation without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic incorporates advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, which contribute to a buttery feel that is equally smooth. However, the Melodic also offers invigorating feedback, providing users with a snappy and reactive sensation due to its moderate to firm actuation force. Thus, while both switches offer smoothness, the Hibiscus focuses on an ultra-light experience, whereas the Melodic balances smoothness with pronounced tactile feedback.

In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Melodic switches present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Hibiscus excels in providing a smooth, clacky sound and an ultra-light feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize seamless keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Melodic revitalizes the clicky switch category with its resonant, crunchy sound and a satisfying tactile experience that combines smoothness with invigorating feedback. Depending on personal preference, users may find that one switch aligns more closely with their typing style, but both offer quality and satisfying performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, almost effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice. It provides optimal comfort for extended typing sessions and caters well to those who prefer a quieter operation, albeit with a subtle sound signature that remains pleasantly clacky and poppy. This switch is particularly suitable if you are a touch typist or work in environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying tactile feedback and nostalgic clicky sound of mechanical keyboards, the Gateron Melodic is your go-to option. It offers a medium actuation force and combines advancements in smoothness with a resonant and crunchy sound profile that many typists find invigorating. This switch can enhance your typing experience, especially if you love the audible feedback that accompanies your keystrokes. In summary, consider the Hibiscus for a smooth, light touch, and reach for the Melodic if you crave that classic clicky feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more