Gateron Melodic vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Swift offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch known for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, making it easy to press with its delicate 42g actuation force. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and appeal to different preferences. The Melodic is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', while the Swift is described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Swift, it becomes clear that they both utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from either of these models will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. Despite the differences in the top housing material between the two models, the bottom housing will play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches.
On the other hand, the top housing material of the Melodic is polycarbonate, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound compared to nylon. In contrast, the Swift's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing the softer nature of the material. These differences in top housing material will impact the sound produced when pressing down on a key, as well as when releasing it.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Melodic and the Swift, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used in their construction. While the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Swift's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. Similarly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which adds to the overall sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. These differences and similarities in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Melodic switch has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Swift switch's 42 grams. This means that the Swift switch requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Melodic switch has a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Swift switch has a lighter force of 50 grams. This suggests that the Melodic switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force, while the Swift switch may allow for longer typing periods due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Melodic slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Swift. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Melodic being closer to the standard 4 mm and the Swift slightly shorter at 3.9 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift for faster response times, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Melodic for a more satisfying keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience paired with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering gentle resistance, light actuation force, and a spring-like feedback sensation. While the Melodic switch focuses on smoothness and tactile feedback, the Swift switch emphasizes ease of typing and reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, emphasizing smoothness, tactile feedback, and immersion in typing. In comparison, the Swift switch produces a clacky sound and offers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel, prioritizing light actuation force, reduced finger fatigue, and effortless typing. While each switch has its own unique characteristics, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option, tailored to their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-bottom out force and prefer a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, or creamy feel, then the HMX Swift switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek.
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