Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM linear switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback without losing touch with responsive key presses. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch distinguishes itself with its heavier actuation force, crafted from a unique PA12 top housing that gives it a softer acoustics profile, paired with a POM stem that provides a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination caters to users seeking a more robust tactile feedback. While both switches promise quality and performance, their differing weights and sound profiles create distinct experiences that can greatly influence your typing or gaming efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy), it's essential to assess how each material contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a unique and pleasing sound. Its sound profile leans towards the deeper and more muted side, which creates a softer and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) features nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is a classic choice favored by many for its ability to absorb sound effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustical character. Although different in material, both switches aim for similar sound profiles, focusing on a deeper tone that provides a satisfying auditory feedback.
Despite their differing materials, the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Xinhai (Heavy) both achieve a moderating effect on sound profile due to the characteristics of their respective placements in the switch design. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie contributes to the muted sound and excels at absorbing the impact when the switch bottoms out, creating a rounder and pleasant auditory feedback. Conversely, the nylon housing in the Xinhai (Heavy) also supports a fuller sound experience through its intrinsic properties, allowing for a sound that is both rounded and subdued. This contrast illustrates how different materials can produce similar outcomes in sound while maintaining their unique characteristics.
Ultimately, the tangible results of both switch types suggest that while the housing materials differ (POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie versus nylon in the Xinhai), they share a common goal of delivering a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The POM material’s ability to create a muted, pleasant sound complements the smoother riding experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie, while the Xinhai's nylon provides a more classic tactile feedback that promotes a similar acoustic result. In contexts where sound modulation is key, the switches will likely yield comparative performance despite their material distinctions, demonstrating that both POM and nylon can effectively contribute to crafting deep, pleasing sound profiles in switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, one can see a clear distinction in their typing experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced push feel and substantial feedback while typing. Regarding bottom out forces, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unavailable, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a measurable bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This difference highlights the Sea Salt Smoothie's unknown bottom out performance, suggesting that it may not provide the same level of tactile feedback during intense keystrokes as the heavier Xinhai (Heavy). Ultimately, for users seeking a lighter and more forgiving switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the preferable option, while those desiring a heavier force for a more robust keystroke would benefit from the Xinhai (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to users who appreciate a deeper travel for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive and quicker actuation, which can be especially advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; if you prefer an abrupt and responsive keypress, the Xinhai (Heavy) may be the better option, while those who favor a more robust and traditional feel 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 Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying acoustic experience that many users find appealing. This switch strikes a balance between resonance and muted characteristics, making it enjoyable for typing as well as gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustics profile, complemented by its POM stem which yields a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The result is a sound that is elegant yet pronounced, providing a distinct auditory experience compared to the more bass-heavy thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different sound preferences, the overall acoustic result will also heavily depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers exceptional smoothness throughout the keypress, providing a reliable and pleasant typing experience. This linear switch is crafted to minimize tactile feedback, allowing for seamless keystrokes that users often appreciate for both casual typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) is designed to embody a heavier actuation, which gives it a denser feel during use. The combination of its PA12 top housing and POM stem contributes to a unique sensation of keypad stability and support while giving a satisfying feedback that enhances typing precision. While both switches offer smooth linear experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who prefer light and effortless keystrokes, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) will appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel during their typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches each present unique qualities that cater to varied preferences in sound and feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a deep thocky sound with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a higher-pitched, crisp sound profile paired with a noticeably heavier feel. Depending on your typing style and auditory preference, both switches provide distinct experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize the plush, thocky resonance or a crisp and sophisticated sound sensation, alongside the varying tactile experiences each switch presents.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you are someone who values a smooth and thocky sound profile, along with a delightful tactile experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. Its design emphasizes exceptional smoothness, making it suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is key. You might find this switch particularly appealing if you enjoy a medium-weight feel that allows for effortless keystrokes without the distraction of excessive force. On the other hand, if you favor a more refined typing experience characterized by a heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is likely your best bet. It offers a unique acoustic profile with its softer sounds and distinctively crisp resonance. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more resistance, giving you precise feedback with each keystroke. In summary, choose the Sea Salt Smoothie for its smoothness and thocky sound, or the Xinhai (Heavy) for a solid, crisp, and heavier typing sensation.
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