HMX Lucky vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to customizing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference. The HMX Lucky and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are two compelling options, each with unique characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Lucky switch is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a lightweight and neutral experience that many users find deeply satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a smooth, effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight POM composition, capturing attention with its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and acoustic satisfaction. It's ideal for users seeking a richer auditory experience without compromising quality. While both switches fall into the linear category, their distinct properties can lead to different keyboard sensations. 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
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its classic properties in switch construction. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, creating a typing experience where sound is dulled and rounded by the inherent absorption characteristics of the material. As this plastic absorbs more sound when switches are actuated, users can expect a notable reduction in resonance, making for a more muted yet rich typographical feedback. This uniformity in material throughout the switch means the sound profile is consistently deep, influenced equally by both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience during both key presses and releases.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches feature POM for their top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for its unique sound signature, which, while also deeper and somewhat muted, diverges from nylon in its tonal quality and feel. The materials will create a distinct atmosphere that may resonate differently for users, with the potential for greater clarity in certain frequencies compared to the more rubbery dampening of nylon. Although both types provide a deeper sound profile, the nature of the plastics leads to different tactile experiences. With POM, the keys may resonate with a distinct and slightly sharper quality, enhancing the feedback experienced when keys bottom out or are released.
Ultimately, while both the HMX Lucky and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches aim to deliver a muted and deeper typing sound, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping that experience. The nylon used in the Lucky switches ensures a more consistent and rounded sound throughout with a shared acoustic quality in both top and bottom housings. Meanwhile, the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie introduces a nuanced variation, producing qualities that can result in slight tonal shifts and greater auditory differentiation. Although both switches will likely yield satisfying sound profiles, the user experience might vary significantly due to the different acoustic and tactile characteristics influenced by their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, their actuation forces present a notable contrast. The Lucky requires a light 37 grams of force to achieve actuation, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions might prefer the Lucky, as it allows for less strain during use. In terms of bottom out force, the Lucky switch has a clearly defined bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating how it feels when fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its full pressing experience. Overall, users seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience should lean towards the HMX Lucky, while those preferring a more substantial and heavier feel might find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more to their liking.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch have slightly differing travel distances, with the Lucky measuring 3.8 mm and the Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile experience that some users may prefer for a comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s shorter travel distance can contribute to quicker response times, appealing to gamers and those who favor a more immediate actuation. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, their distinct measurements reflect differing user preferences; the Lucky is better suited for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those seeking a snappier feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 Lucky switch offers a softer and quieter experience, emphasizing a gentle acoustics profile that makes it suitable for both office environments and home use. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound profile that resonates with a satisfying depth, which is often appreciated by enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The differences in sound between the two switches may be further influenced by the keyboard build and keycap selection, but generally, the Lucky leans towards a more subdued sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides more pronounced auditory feedback.
Regarding the feel, the Lucky switch is characterized by its lightweight design and neutral typing experience, allowing for swift key presses with minimal resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing rhythm. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight feel that balances actuation force and smoothness, providing a tactile feedback that adds a touch of satisfaction to each keystroke. Both switches aim for a smooth typing experience but cater to different preferences in terms of weight and tactile feedback, with the Lucky being lighter and more forgiving, while the Sea Salt Smoothie strikes a balance for those who enjoy a bit more weight in their switches.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lucky and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different sound and feel preferences. The Lucky is ideal for those who appreciate a soft and quiet keystroke, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper, more pronounced acoustics and a medium-weight feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both offer quality performance for any typing task.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a softer touch and a lightweight feel, the Lucky switches, with their 43 grams bottom-out force and delightful glittery nylon housing, may be the ideal option for you. They offer a neutral typing experience that feels satisfying and allows for quick typing without much resistance. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more balanced switch that brings a rich thocky sound profile alongside exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely your best bet. With its all-POM construction, it delivers a medium-weight feel that strikes a harmony between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, think about whether you prioritize a lighter, softer feel with a neutral sound or a deeper acoustic experience with smooth action. Your choice will significantly shape your typing experience, so consider what aspects matter most to you as you make your decision.
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