HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, allowing for effortless keystrokes that make it an attractive choice for users who enjoy a crisp and clacky sound profile without straining their fingers. Its superior smoothness and tactile feedback create a pristine typing experience that many enthusiasts rave about. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a balanced, medium-weight option that excels in providing a smooth feel while delivering a satisfying thocky sound signature. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual typing styles and sound preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences emerge that contribute distinct characteristics to each switch's performance. The Hibiscus utilizes a nylon housing for both its top and bottom sections, known for its softer composition which enhances sound absorption. This quality results in a typing experience that is deeper and fuller, with a sound profile that is noticeably duller and rounder. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housing, both top and bottom, renowned for generating a unique sound signature. While still delivering a deep tone, POM's properties lend a relatively more muted sound profile, favoring clarity without the same degree of richness found in nylon.
The implications of using these different materials become more pronounced when considering the division of sound and tactile feedback during typing. The HMX Hibiscus, with its completely nylon construction, provides a consistent experience where both the top and bottom housings contribute equally to the overall sound signature. The impact of the nylon allows typists to enjoy a smooth and rounded auditory experience that is retained from the moment of actuation to bottoming out. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, being composed utterly of POM, presents a varied interpretation of the typing experience, where the softer bottom housing and the unique qualities of the top housing produce a sound that might feel less resonant but clearer and distinctly satisfying.
Ultimately, despite the differences in the materials used, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are designed to create enjoyable typing experiences. They achieve this through their respective properties; while the Hibiscus leans heavily on nylon to provide a cushioned sound profile that enhances depth, the Sea Salt Smoothie integrates POM to support a clearer sound quality that remains rich. Both switches aim to create a rounded sound profile, although they may reach it through different sonic textures. Consequently, while the typist may notice discrepancies in sound presence and quality, each switch can still offer a fulfilling and satisfactory experience through its unique design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences arise. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great choice for users seeking ease of typing during extended sessions, such as at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. The bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown; however, due to its heavier actuation force, users might anticipate it offers a firmer response upon bottoming out. Overall, the Hibiscus switch is lighter, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is heavier, catering to different user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Hibiscus switch is the shorter of the two, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer deeper key presses and a less abrupt experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and the depth of key travel. If you prefer a more immediate response, the Hibiscus is the optimal choice, but if you value a fuller depth, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more to your liking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This lively audio profile contributes to a more engaging typing experience, offering a distinct auditory feedback that many find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound profile, which tends to feel fuller and deeper. This results in a more muted and refined auditory experience compared to the Hibiscus. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, as well as the keycaps used, meaning users may experience variations regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is known for its ultra-light actuation force, making it responsive and effortless to type on. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight switch, providing a balanced level of resistance that supports a satisfying typing rhythm. While it also maintains exceptional smoothness, it may require slightly more effort to actuate than the Hibiscus, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile response without being overly heavy.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Hibiscus shines with its clacky and crisp sound combined with an ultra-light feel, making it a standout choice for users seeking a lively experience. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a thocky sound and a balanced medium-weight feel, appealing to those who prefer a solid yet smooth typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, each switch can deliver a compelling experience, and users are likely to find satisfaction in either option, with the potential for similar results depending on their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lightweight switch with a responsive feel and an incredibly smooth typing experience, the Hibiscus is likely the better choice for you. Its clacky, poppy sound adds an element of enjoyment to your typing sessions, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers seeking quick actuation and feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-weight switch that delivers a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more to your liking. Its exceptional smoothness combined with robust build quality makes it a great choice for those who appreciate a more balanced typing experience, whether for work or leisure. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique typing demands, auditory preferences, and overall keyboard experience, ensuring that you select a switch that complements your usage style perfectly.
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