Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Swift both offer unique features that cater to different user preferences, even within the realm of linear switches. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight feel and exceptional smoothness, producing a satisfying thocky sound while breaking the price barrier without compromising on quality. This switch is ideal for users seeking a balanced typing experience that combines tactile feedback with affordability. On the other hand, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housing, and a notably lighter 42g actuation force, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a clackier, more responsive feel in their keystrokes. Its silky smoothness and bouncy characteristics also add to an overall enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Swift differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, which influences their overall acoustic characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. This unique auditory quality results from the dense properties of POM, which tend to produce a sound that is both pleasant and distinctively rich. Conversely, the HMX Swift utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings. While nylon is regarded as a classic material known for its softer texture, it similarly generates a deep and full sound profile. The key difference lies in how each material absorbs sound; nylon absorbs more due to its softer composition, often leading to a more rounded sound when compared to the POM material used in the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Both switches aim to provide unique auditory experiences, but the differences in their housing materials lead to varied acoustic responses depending on how the switches behave when pressed. With the Sea Salt Smoothie, the POM housing offers a consistent sound profile that remains muted and unobtrusive. The POM material lends itself to a distinctive sound signature that resonates well when typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Swift’s nylon housing enhances the switch's sound characteristics through greater absorption, resulting in a sound that is fuller and more rounded. This contrast emphasizes how the material quality can separate the auditory experiences of the two switches, even if they are executing similar functions in the typing experience.
When using either switch, one can find that the impact of the housing materials separates their contributions to the typing experience. With the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie providing a unique upper tonal quality and the nylon of the Swift absorbing sounds more significantly for a rounder finish, users will perceive these distinctions acutely as they type. Both switches, despite their differences, ultimately strive towards creating a satisfying sound profile with deeper undertones, amplifying their respective qualities. If a user is looking for a richer typing experience, they will appreciate the nuances between these materials, as the switch housing will profoundly impact both the bottom-out sound and the release sound when keys are let go. Each housing contributes uniquely to how the auditory and tactile sensations manifest while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch with the HMX Swift linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Sea Salt Smoothie requiring 48 grams to actuate, while the Swift engages with only 42 grams of force. This means that the Swift offers a lighter touch, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Swift has a definitive bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a heavier resistance when fully pressed down. As a result, users who favor a lighter actuation force might prefer the Swift, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, although its bottom out characteristics remain indeterminate. Overall, these differences highlight the personal preferences at play when selecting between a lighter switch like the HMX Swift and the uncertain weight dynamics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm, while the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter option, lending itself to the quicker response times favored by gamers who seek speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Swift, with its extended 3.9 mm distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional feel and the reassuring depth that can enhance typing satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for speed versus a fuller, more robust keystroke experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound profile, which is characterized by its deep and muted tones. This gives it a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing, especially in quieter environments where the softness of the sound can be appreciated. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch possesses a deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housings, despite HMX switches typically leaning towards a brighter sound signature. The Swift features a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. While the Sea Salt Smoothie is more subdued, the Swift brings a lively sound that enhances the typing experience, although the overall sound will also depend on various external factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
When considering feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch is notably smooth and satisfying to type on, but specific descriptors to quantify that smoothness are not provided. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch shines with its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate due to its delicate 42g actuation weight. This switch is not only responsive but also enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, significantly reducing finger fatigue. The Swift's feel can be described with additional sensations like feathery, bouncy, and creamy, which collectively contribute to an exceptionally light and enjoyable typing experience that promotes ease of use and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is favored for its thocky sound and overall smoothness, the HMX Swift switch stands out for its clacky sound and user-friendly feel characterized by feather-light pressing, bounciness, and creamy texture. If you seek an auditory experience that emphasizes deep and muted tones, you may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothies. However, if a brighter, crisper sound and effortless typing action appeal more to you, the Swift switches could be the better choice. Ultimately, both options can provide satisfying results, and personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch should depend on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you value a smooth, thocky sound profile and a more traditional medium-weight feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the right switch for you. It promises a satisfying typing experience that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming, particularly if you prefer a more grounded feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter, easy-to-press switch that offers a unique bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Swift is an excellent option. With its delicate actuation force and deeper sound profile, this switch greatly reduces finger fatigue and allows for more extended typing sessions without discomfort. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the importance of sound and feel in your keyboard setup to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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