Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can often boil down to personal preference, yet two contenders stand out with unique characteristics: the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Xinhai, both of which are linear switches. The Sea Salt Smoothie is renowned for its medium weight and exceptional smoothness, delivering a "thocky" sound that balances both quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a robust typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai features a unique PA12 top housing that softens the acoustics, while its POM stem provides a crisp, higher-pitched sound profile that offers a refined and sophisticated feel—ideal for users seeking a dynamic yet precise typing experience. While both switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy linear feedback and a pleasant auditory experience, they each bring distinct qualities to the table. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Xinhai, the differences in sound profiles and material properties become apparent. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing that produces a unique, pleasing sound characterized by a deeper and more muted profile. This quality makes it stand out for users who appreciate a less bright and more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai employs a classic nylon material for both the top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its sound absorption properties. Nylon's softer texture allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a somewhat distinct auditory signature while still falling into a similar category of muted sounds.
Despite their differences, both the POM and nylon materials share a compatibility in producing desirable sound outcomes. While POM tends to create a slightly sharper and clearer sound due to its rigidity, the nylon construction of the Xinhai sets the stage for an overall softer typing experience. In both cases, users will benefit from deep resonance during key presses, although each switch will present its subtle tonal variations. The depth of sound in both switches is attributed to the inherent characteristics of the materials themselves, allowing both designs to cater to those who prefer a muted auditory feedback.
Ultimately, if the housing materials differ, the impact these materials have on the user experience must be acknowledged. The effects of both POM and nylon are split, whereby the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing most affects the sound during release. This allocation of properties can lead to similar experiences in terms of sound depth and typing satisfaction, even when each switch employs different materials. As such, users may find that they can achieve comparable results in terms of feel and sound quality with either switch, depending on their specific preferences and typing habits.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams, while the Xinhai is lighter at 37 grams. This difference suggests that those who prefer a lighter switch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, might gravitate towards the Xinhai switch due to its lower force requirement. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, while the Xinhai features a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that, although the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a stronger actuation feel, we cannot directly compare their bottom out forces. Thus, for users seeking a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be preferable despite its uncertainty in bottom out force. Conversely, for a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, the Xinhai is the clear choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch measures 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key, providing a different tactile experience compared to the slightly more responsive Xinhai switch. For gamers or users seeking quicker actuation and a snappier feeling, the HMX Xinhai would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, while those who favor a heavier, more deliberate keystroke might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie for its deeper travel. Overall, if you enjoy a swifter response, the Xinhai is the better option; conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced key press, 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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is best characterized by its thocky sound, which provides a deep, muted thud upon each keystroke. This sound profile offers a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing. Conversely, the Xinhai switch produces a clacky sound, sharply resonating with a bright and percussive quality. This sharper sound can create a more pronounced auditory experience while typing, making each key press feel snappier and more energetic. However, keep in mind that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of tactile feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, being medium-weight and constructed from all-POM materials, which enhances its fluidity during use. It’s designed to ensure that each keystroke feels effortless, promoting comfortable, extended typing sessions. The Xinhai switch, on the other hand, combines features that lend it a bouncy and creamy feel. This switch provides a springy, elastic feedback that can be invigorating, while also offering a silky-smooth sensation due to its PA12 top housing and lubricated POM stem. This unique combination makes typing a delightful experience, allowing users to enjoy a responsive rebound along with a luxurious glide as they engage with each key.
In summary, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Xinhai linear switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deep thocky sound and an ultra-smooth feel that caters well to users who appreciate subdued auditory feedback and seamless keystrokes. In contrast, the Xinhai’s clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience combined with a responsive typing sensation. Depending on what you prioritize—whether it be sound or feel—these switches can cater to various preferences, but the distinct combinations they present ensure that choosing between them can lead to markedly different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that boasts a unique sound profile with a "thocky" resonance and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be an excellent choice. Its design caters to those who revel in a more muted sound aesthetic, providing a typing experience that feels balanced and controlled without the loudness of clacky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force paired with a more vibrant acoustics profile, the Xinhai switch is a standout option. Its combination of a bouncy feel with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance offers a lively and responsive typing experience that can enhance your workflow or gaming performance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback—choose the Smoothie for a smooth, understated experience or the Xinhai for a brighter, bouncier feel.
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