Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX SU both stand out within the realm of linear switches, yet they offer distinct characteristics that can significantly affect your typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight switch crafted from all-POM materials, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining a seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX SU showcases a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound that exudes a sturdy feel under the fingers. While the Smoothie caters to those who love a pop of bounce and feedback during their typing sessions, the SU may appeal more to users seeking a deeper tone and reliability. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX SU switches both utilize different materials for their housing that cater to specific auditory experiences, yet they share a commonality in producing deeper sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the HMX SU opt for nylon for both the top and bottom housing, a material recognized as a classic in the switch world. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound profile that is similarly deep and rounded, akin to that of the Sea Salt Smoothie, albeit with its own distinctive tonal characteristics.
When examining the bottom housing of each switch, both the POM and nylon constructions facilitate a similar acoustic outcome. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing creates a muted, pleasing sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the HMX SU elicits a fuller sound that is deeper due to its sound-absorbing qualities. These contrasting materials present different tactile experiences; however, both ultimately influence the bottom-out sound and feel in comparable ways. Players may notice subtle differences in the nuances of sound, but the foundational auditory experience remains aligned due to each material's inherent characteristics.
Despite the differences in housing materials, players can expect a notably similar auditory experience when pressing down on either switch. The unique qualities offered by the POM and nylon provide different flavors to the overall sound profile, yet both switch types excel in delivering a rich and resonant typing experience. This shared quality means that while users may prefer the feel and sound signature of one over the other, the experience of a deeper, more muted sound will resonate across both types. Ultimately, it highlights how the nuances of material choices impact both the sound and tactile feedback experienced during use, leading to unique yet comparable results in their performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, with the Sea Salt Smoothie requiring 48 grams to register a keystroke, while the HMX SU has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel, making it potentially less tiring during extended use for those who have a preference for lighter switches. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, whereas the HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully depress the key. Overall, the HMX SU is the heavier switch due to its bottom out force, while the Sea Salt Smoothie can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force but remains a bit of an unknown with its bottom out specification. This means that users seeking less resistance and potentially a more comfortable typing experience during long sessions may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who prefer a stronger push should consider the HMX SU for its heavier overall feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX SU linear switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX SU features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more pronounced keystroke, which could be favorable for users who appreciate a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the SU may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel. Both switches, while close in measurement, cater to different preferences, with the Sea Salt Smoothie being more suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth, whereas the HMX SU serves those desiring swiftness in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is renowned for its thocky sound profile, which gives a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This quality not only enhances the overall typing experience but also contributes to a sense of tactile satisfaction during use. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle, relatively deep sound profile, which tends to be quieter and less intrusive compared to the thocky notes of the Smoothie. The choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials can further influence the sound produced by each switch, but those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those desiring a more subdued sound might prefer the SU.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by its exceptional smoothness, allowing for fluid keystrokes that can enhance typing speed and comfort. This smooth actuation is ideal for prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall performance. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch, with its PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivers a smooth yet distinct feel that complements its sound profile. While the two switches both promise smooth operation, the Sea Salt Smoothie may edge out in terms of tactile satisfaction due to its emphasis on superior smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX SU linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its pronounced thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and auditory experience. Conversely, the HMX SU provides a subtler sound and smooth feel, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more understated keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but both promise high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your priorities for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you value a smooth typing experience alongside a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice, particularly for users who prefer a medium-weight switch that feels responsive without being overly heavy. It's an ideal option for casual typists or gamers who enjoy a quieter yet satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier bottom-out force and appreciate a more robust sound profile, the HMX SU switch will suit you better. Its full PA12 housing contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback—a feature that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper sound. Therefore, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and switch feel, as these factors will greatly influence your enjoyment of either switch in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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