Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus ultimately boils down to your specific typing or gaming preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight actuation and all-POM construction, which not only sets a new standard for affordability but also delivers a thocky sound profile with exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a more balanced and acoustic typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, boasting an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm. This speed switch enables rapid-fire keyboard inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth push feel that appeals to fast-paced gaming enthusiasts. While both switches are linear and prioritize smoothness, they each cater to distinct user preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is composed of POM (Polyoxymethylene), a synthetic material recognized for its rigidity and density, while the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing. POM creates a deep, muted sound that can be described as unique and pleasing, contributing to a performance where the sound is better controlled during key release. In contrast, the nylon employed in the Vintage Citrus is a more classic choice known for its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While both materials aim to provide a distinct auditory experience, their differing physical characteristics lead to variations in how each switch expresses sound.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches again differ as the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM, while the Vintage Citrus opts for nylon. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie will produce a muffled, lower-impact sound upon bottoming out, reinforcing its overall muted auditory theme. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Vintage Citrus absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer nature, generating a rounder, less sharp auditory experience. This difference means that users will perceive a variance in feedback when keys are pressed, as the bottom housing's material can significantly influence the overall feel and sound during key actuation.
Despite their differences, both switches provide similar auditory results by leveraging the characteristics of their respective housing materials. Each switch can deliver a deeper sound profile, though the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM and the Vintage Citrus's nylon achieve this through varied means. While the POM materials produce a more contained, muted sound, the nylon allows for a richer and slightly more resonant tone. Ultimately, while the specific sound and feel differ due to material choices, enthusiasts can expect to enjoy a satisfying and impactful typing experience with either switch, reflecting the unique strengths of POM and nylon in delivering sound and performance in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find some interesting similarities and differences. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 48 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, making them feel equally responsive during typing or gaming. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving that detail unknown, while the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Vintage Citrus switch is slightly heavier overall, providing a more substantial feel when bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Sea Salt Smoothie would likely be the better choice, as it offers a gentle actuation with an unspecified bottoming experience. Conversely, those who enjoy a firmer typing experience should lean towards the Vintage Citrus due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, providing a more traditional typing experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus's 3 mm travel distance caters to those seeking a quicker response time, which is particularly advantageous for gamers who favor rapid activation. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more hearty depth might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that some users find appealing for both typing and gaming. This deeper sound can offer a sense of refined, premium acoustic performance, suited for those who enjoy a fuller tonal quality in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, which is more pronounced and gives a lively feedback, making it particularly favored by gamers who relish an engaging auditory experience during intense play. Both sound profiles are distinct, and it is essential to recognize that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a remarkably smooth push feel, which is an essential characteristic appreciated by many typists and gamers alike. This smoothness aids in reducing finger fatigue during extended use and allows for a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus offers an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which creates a responsive experience, ideal for rapid-fire inputs typically favored in gaming contexts. Its smooth push feel further enhances its functionality, making it easier to execute quick actions. While both switches boast smoothness, their differing actuation forces and intended uses create unique experiences for the user.
Overall, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different needs in the mechanical keyboard world, especially when influencing sound and feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky sound and a smooth typing experience, making it great for a balanced use between typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus shines in its bright clacky sound and ultra-light actuation, making it a top choice for gamers who prefer quick, decisive keystrokes. Depending on your priorities – whether they be nuanced auditory feedback or ultra-responsive actuation – both switches offer high-quality experiences that can enhance your keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing or gaming needs. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, smooth, and thocky typing experience that excels in general use and provides satisfying acoustics, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be an excellent choice. Its design emphasizes smoothness and sound quality, making it suitable for both casual typing and longer writing sessions. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking an edge with rapid inputs, the Vintage Citrus should be your pick. Its exceptionally low actuation force and quick 1mm actuation distance allow for swift responses, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the gaming experience. Therefore, consider whether you prioritize versatility and a satisfying acoustic experience or the speed and responsiveness needed for gaming when making your final decision.
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