Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Twilight both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback combined with a fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight distinguishes itself with an impressive 3.85mm travel distance, providing a slightly quieter typing experience while still delivering the signature clacky attributes that HMX switches are known for. Each switch brings its own set of advantages: the Sea Salt Smoothie for users seeking a premium feel without breaking the bank and the Twilight for those who value a longer actuation with reduced noise for a more subdued environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Twilight switches both employ unique housing materials for their top and bottom components, which significantly influence their sound profiles and user experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, contributing to a sound that is described as deep and relatively muted. POM is known for its durability and smoothness, which helps in creating a consistent typing experience while also contributing to a unique sound signature that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top and bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, enhances the overall sound profile by absorbing more vibrations, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that is rounded and distinct from the Sea Salt Smoothie.
While both switches favor deeper sound profiles, the materials used result in different characteristics during use. The POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie generally produces a clearer muted sound, whereas the nylon in the Twilight adds a layer of warmth and fullness. This distinction lies in the physical properties of the materials: POM is harder, yielding a less resonant sound, while nylon’s softness allows for greater sound absorption and dampening. Consequently, the typing experience on each switch will feel distinct. Users looking for a muted and sharp sound might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, whereas those seeking a rounder typing experience with more resonance may gravitate towards the HMX Twilight.
Despite their differences, there is a similarity in how these housing materials impact the overall sound profiles of the switches. Both the Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Twilight can elicit a rich audio feedback that enhances the typing experience, with the differences primarily lying in the nuance of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie's dual POM construction might deliver a unique sound that is consistent and smooth, while the HMX Twilight's nylon may offer a fuller auditory experience. Therefore, while the materials differ in composition, users can expect satisfactory results in terms of sound quality and typing feel, catering to different preferences and stylistic needs in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we see some differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the HMX Twilight, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may be more inclined to choose the Twilight over the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Twilight has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it provides a more substantial feel when pressed down completely. The weight considerations highlight that while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a heavier actuation, its unknown bottom out force makes definitive comparisons challenging. In contrast, the Twilight's lighter actuation, coupled with a known and heavier bottom out force, suggests it can offer a balanced typing experience for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke engagement.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Sea Salt Smoothie measuring 3.7 mm and the Twilight at 3.85 mm. This establishes the Sea Salt Smoothie as the shorter option, while the Twilight provides a slightly longer travel distance. The difference of 0.15 mm may seem minor, but it can influence the user experience significantly. For gamers seeking faster response times, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the preferable choice due to its shorter throw, potentially leading to quicker actuations. Conversely, individuals who appreciate a more substantial keypress may find the Twilight’s longer travel to be more suitable for their typing style. Overall, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for responsiveness versus the depth of key travel.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 is best known for its thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying acoustic feedback when typing. This thocky sound tends to be deeper and more resonant, offering a pleasant auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch delivers a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, though it still maintains the characteristic clacky notes typical of HMX switches. Both switches can produce a different auditory experience when paired with various boards and keycaps, adding another layer of personalization to your typing sound.
When discussing the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience that many users find ideal for both typing and gaming. This smooth characteristic is often attributed to its all-POM construction, which enhances the fluidity of keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Twilight also aims for a smooth feel but emphasizes its distinct signature clacky characteristics. The longer travel distance can contribute to a different tactile sensation, potentially offering a unique experience that some users may prefer, especially if they enjoy the response of clacky switches.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Twilight linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie provides a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a deeper acoustic profile and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Twilight offers a quieter experience with clacky notes, alongside a unique feel characterized by its extended travel distance. Both switches present excellent options, and users will ultimately choose based on their personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Twilight linear switches, it’s essential to consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you value a smoother, thockier sound profile with a balanced feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be your best bet. Its all-POM construction offers a premium touch and is ideal for those who appreciate a quieter, yet satisfying typing sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance and a longer travel distance for a tactile response, the HMX Twilight with its 50-gram bottom-out force is an excellent choice. It tends to evoke that classic clacky sound that enthusiasts often love, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. In summary, your choice should ultimately hinge on whether you lean towards a smooth, quiet experience or a more pronounced, tactile feel with a distinct sound. Consider trying both before making your final decision, as personal preference plays a huge role in finding your perfect switch.
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