HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of various offerings, particularly the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The HMX Hibiscus switch is praised for its ultra-light actuation force, providing a notably smooth and pleasant typing experience. With a sound signature that is satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy, it appeals to users seeking both tactile feedback and auditory joy. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction and remarkably short travel distance, allowing for incredibly quick actuation. The Smoothie Silver is designed for those who appreciate a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, making typing both a speedy and rewarding experience. While the HMX Hibiscus emphasizes a more traditional, yet refined auditory feedback, the Gateron Smoothie Silver caters to gamers and fast typists who seek rapid response times. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, it is clear that they each utilize different materials—nylon for the Hibiscus and POM for the Smoothie Silver. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Hibiscus are known for their classic switch characteristics, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is predominantly due to nylon's softer nature, which dampens sound vibrations effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a unique sound experience that is also on the deeper side, albeit more muted. Thus, while both switches aim for a pleasing acoustic performance, their materials present distinct sound characteristics that can influence the typing experience.
While both the Hibiscus and the Smoothie Silver have a similar acoustic goal rooted in creating a deeper sound profile, the different materials can result in contrasting tactile and auditory experiences. The Hibiscus, with its nylon composition, provides a sound that is characterized as fuller due to the superior sound-absorbing qualities inherent in nylon. Conversely, the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a muted sound, which may still be rich but lacks the pronounced fullness of its nylon counterpart. This disparity shows how the choice of housing material not only affects sound but can also impact the overall feel during typing; users may notice varying degrees of resonance and feedback depending on the material used.
Despite these differences, if the overall goal is to achieve a satisfying typing experience, both switches can deliver enjoyable results through their unique compositions. One may find that switching between the two could yield a shift in feel and sound profile, leading to an enriching typing experience. If users prefer a more muted sound profile with a high-quality feel, they might lean towards the Smoothie Silver, while those seeking a fuller resonance may prefer the Hibiscus. Therefore, while contrasting in material, both switches share common ground in delivering a pleasurable typing experience tailored to their individual acoustic properties.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Hibiscus has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended usage like long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force at 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a firmer push feel, which can enhance the tactile experience while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, as it is listed as "None," meaning we cannot make a direct comparison to the Hibiscus's bottom out force of 48 grams. Thus, while the Hibiscus is the lighter option overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, the Smoothie Silver offers a more substantial actuation feel, underscoring a preference for varying typing experiences based on user choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer of the two options, while the Smoothie Silver features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This small difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers who seek rapid key actuation might prefer the Smoothie Silver for its shorter distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial press may lean towards the Hibiscus. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 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 Hibiscus switch produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which can enhance the overall typing experience with its distinct audio feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a thocky sound profile that provides a more muted, deep auditory experience. Both switches rely on their unique materials and designs to produce these sounds, meaning that the overall acoustic characteristics can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material you choose.
Regarding feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, contributing to an incredibly smooth typing experience that many users find delightful. The Hibiscus excels in providing a plush yet responsive sensation under the fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch offers unparalleled smoothness due to its POM construction, emphasizing a feather-light touch and allowing for rapid keystrokes that are easy on the fingers. Both switches prioritize smoothness, though the Hibiscus leans more towards a cushioned experience while the Smoothie Silver promotes speed and agility.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer exceptional smoothness, but they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile experiences. The Hibiscus is ideal for those who appreciate a crisp sound and ultra-light touch, while the Smoothie Silver is suited for users who prefer a deeper thocky sound and a rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize sound and feel, you may gravitate towards one switch over the other based on your personal preferences, but both will provide a satisfying typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Hibiscus linear switches and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience characterized by an ultra-light actuation force and enjoy a satisfying, clacky sound with a smooth feel, the Hibiscus switch would be an excellent choice for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for typing long texts or gaming sessions where comfort and auditory feedback enhance your engagement. On the other hand, if you are seeking extraordinary speed and an exceptionally short travel distance for rapid keypresses, the Smoothie Silver switch could be your ideal match. This switch is engineered for those who prioritize responsiveness and prefer a feather-light touch, making it particularly advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and the atmosphere you want to create while using your keyboard, whether that be a more tactile experience with the Hibiscus or a swift, noise-buffered interaction with the Smoothie Silver.
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