Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie, celebrated for its medium-weight design and all-POM construction, delivers an impressive thocky sound profile combined with exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a satisfying auditory and tactile experience without sacrificing quality. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, boasts a well-balanced blend of materials that produces a subtle top-out feel paired with a gratifying clack, all enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube for a buttery typing experience. While both switches are linear and designed for fluid keystrokes, the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a more pronounced sound signature, while the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a softer yet still gratifying auditory feedback. 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 Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Sunset Gleam, one of the primary differences lies in the choice of housing materials. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, which is known for producing a deep and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing that results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer characteristics. This distinction in materials fundamentally influences the acoustic signature of the switches, as the POM enhances a smoother auditory experience while the polycarbonate is designed to create clarity and resonance. While both switches provide satisfying performances, individuals seeking a rich and muted sound may gravitate toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those in search of a brighter sound profile may prefer the Sunset Gleam.

The bottom housing of these switches also contributes to their unique characteristics, revealing further contrasts in their sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing, which, similar to its top, ensures that the overall sound is muted and pleasing. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam’s nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the auditory experience, with nylon's softer nature absorbing sound and resulting in a rounder acoustic signature. This approach to construction suggests that while the Sea Salt Smoothie maintains a consistent sound profile, the Sunset Gleam’s combination of a crisp top and a fuller bottom creates a complex layering in its sound, catering to different tactile and auditory preferences.

Overall, these switches exemplify how housing materials can define not only sound profiles but also user experience. The impact of housing material is felt distinctly in both bottom-out and release behaviors. For example, with the Sea Salt Smoothie, users will experience a more muted and deep sound whether typing or releasing a key, while the Sunset Gleam will present a sharp contrast with a lively top-end during releases, complemented by the deep, resonant feel at the bottom. Despite these differences, users can still achieve a satisfying experience with both designs, as both switches successfully combine the distinct properties of their respective materials to create enjoyable and unique typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the Sunset Gleam's lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie will provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the lighter actuation of the Sunset Gleam allows for easier keystrokes, which may be more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, while the Sunset Gleam features a specified bottom out force of 48 grams, making it clear how deep the keypress goes, the lack of a defined bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie leaves its performance in this regard uncertain. Overall, those who favor a heavier switch might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, while users seeking a lighter feel would likely opt for the Sunset Gleam.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more significant actuation depth, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better option, as its longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, could cater to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times. Therefore, your choice between the two would ultimately depend on whether you value a deeper actuation feel or a snappier performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie produces a thocky sound profile, which tends to be deep and satisfying without sharpness, making it quite appealing for those who prefer a more muted acoustic experience. This is contrasted with the HMX Sunset Gleam, which offers a subtle top-out along with a satisfying clack, bringing a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback to each keystroke. Both sound profiles can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, but the distinct emphasis on thockiness versus clack can help users choose a switch that matches their desirable sound aesthetics.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by a medium weight and exceptional smoothness, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience that caters to both casual typing and more aggressive gaming without any noticeable scratchiness. In comparison, the HMX Sunset Gleam also offers a smooth feel, augmented by excellent factory lubrication which ensures a glide that is very appealing. While both switches offer a smooth pressing experience, the slight variations in weight and feedback may make one more suitable than the other depending on personal preference.

In summary, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches have unique auditory and tactile characteristics that could cater to different user preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a deep, thocky sound and smooth feeling, while the Sunset Gleam combines a crisper, clacking sound with a similarly refined feel, greatly enhanced by its factory lube. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying experience, so the choice comes down to whether one prefers a more subdued auditory profile or a more pronounced one during use.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches largely comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smooth, thocky sound profile and are looking for a medium-weight switch that offers exceptional smoothness without a defined bottom-out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the ideal choice. This switch is well-suited for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience and want a tactile feel that enhances their overall typing or gaming performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out with a satisfying clack, the Sunset Gleam is an excellent alternative. The factory lube and thoughtfully designed materials create a delightful typing experience characterized by a subtle top-out and responsiveness that is perfect for rapid typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own preferences in sound and feel — go for the Sea Salt Smoothie for a smooth and thocky experience, and choose the Sunset Gleam for a lighter, more responsive touch with a satisfying auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more