Gateron Melodic vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options that cater to different typing preferences are the Gateron Melodic and the HMX SU. The Melodic embodies the classic clicky switch experience, known for its buttery and resonant sound profile, enhanced by modern innovations like smooth factory lube and dual-railed stems. This results in a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists and gamers cherish for both its auditory pleasure and responsive feel. In contrast, the HMX SU showcases a linear switch design characterized by a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet deep sound profile that promotes a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. This makes the SU an appealing choice for users who prefer a smoother keystroke and less audible feedback. While the Melodic is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced click and tactile response, the HMX SU is perfect for individuals seeking a streamlined and discreet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Melodic Clicky

HMX SU Linear

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the HMX SU switches, a significant distinction lies in the construction of the top housing. The Gateron Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a more resonant typing experience, especially in environments where crisp audio feedback is paramount. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the appearance of RGB lighting, making these switches suitable for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice revered for its softer and more sound-absorbing qualities. This material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, catering to users who prefer a rounder, more muted auditory experience. Thus, while both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences, they appeal to different auditory preferences due to their divergent top housing materials.

Interestingly, when examining the bottom housing, both the Melodic and SU switches employ nylon. This shared material translates to a consistent performance aspect between the two, as both switches benefit from nylon’s sound-absorbing properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key is bottomed out. The use of nylon in both switches means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will still experience a similar sound character when pressing the keys down, creating a sense of continuity in that aspect of performance. Moreover, since both bottom housings are crafted from nylon, they maintain similar tactile feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and HMX SU switches greatly influence the auditory experience while maintaining a level of consistency in the tactile feedback thanks to their nylon bottoms. Users will find that the Melodic’s polycarbonate top produces a crisper sound when releasing a key, while the SU’s nylon top offers a more subdued and rounded sound. However, the nylon bottoms serve as a common ground, ensuring a deeper and fuller auditory feedback during key presses, which creates a balanced experience across different typing styles. This interplay of materials highlights how nuanced the design of switch housings can be and shows how different combinations can cater to specific user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly impact the typing experience. The Gateron Melodic has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance that provides a substantial feel. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel can be more comfortable for extended use, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Melodic offers a heavier bottom out resistance, which some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience, the milder forces of the HMX SU cater to those looking for reduced strain. Overall, the HMX SU is the lighter switch, offering a softer touch compared to the heavier Gateron Melodic, which may appeal more to those seeking a crisper, more impactful keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gateron Melodic features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side and provides a more traditional keypress experience. In contrast, the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers. For users seeking a deeper, more substantial feel while typing, the Gateron Melodic is the better choice, while the HMX SU may appeal to those who enjoy the snappier feedback associated with shorter travel distances. Therefore, if you prioritize depth in your keystrokes, the Melodic is the superior option, whereas the SU offers a slightly quicker and more reactive performance with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound qualities of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, users can expect an engaging auditory experience characterized by its resonant and crunchy nature. The Melodic produces a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound, allowing for a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This resonates well with typists who enjoy the classic clicky sound associated with such switches. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is notable for its relatively deep sound profile; however, specific descriptors of this sound are not provided, leaving some uncertainty about its acoustic presence in comparison to the Melodic. This means that while the Melodic creates a distinctive soundscape, the SU switch’s deeper characteristics present a more muted option, though the exact qualities are currently unknown.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic excels with its buttery tactile experience. The factory lubrication and dual-railed stems contribute to a smooth and effortless keystroke, allowing for a pleasant and fluid typing sensation. This quality can enhance the overall comfort during long typing sessions. However, the feel of the HMX SU switch remains unspecified, creating a gap in understanding how its tactile response compares to the Melodic. As such, without additional information, one cannot ascertain whether the SU offers a similarly satisfying typing experience or diverges significantly.

In summary, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch impresses with its resonant and crunchy sound alongside a buttery feel, making it a strong choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate both auditory and tactile feedback. The HMX SU linear switch’s sound is described as relatively deep, while its tactile sensation remains undetermined, creating a potential opportunity to explore a different typing experience altogether. Ultimately, those interested might lean towards the Melodic for its lively characteristics, while the SU could appeal to those preferring a more subdued auditory presence, though without additional details about the SU's feel, the comparison remains incomplete.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Melodic is your go-to option. With its resonant and crunchy sound profile, it not only delivers a classic clicky experience but also incorporates advancements like smooth factory lubing, making each keystroke feel buttery and satisfying. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a medium actuation force of 60 grams, as it strikes a balance between comfort and resistance, providing an engaging and immersive typing experience typical of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you favor a quieter, smoother keystroke with less tactile stimulus, the HMX SU linear switch is likely the better fit. With its light actuation force of 50 grams and subtle sound profile, it offers a more subdued and fluid typing experience, which can be particularly appealing for gamers or professionals who prefer a minimalist keyboard sound in work environments. Ultimately, consider how you type, the sound you enjoy, and the feedback you desire to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more