Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct yet compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a responsive typing experience. The Smoothie Silver is celebrated for its ultra-short travel distance, providing lightning-fast actuation that makes it particularly appealing for gamers and fast typists. Crafted entirely from POM, this switch delivers a thocky sound profile coupled with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, making it a favorite among those who prioritize swift key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, presents a unique allure with its carefully curated blend of materials that results in a subtle top-out and satisfying clack. Enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, the Sunset Gleam is particularly appealing for users who appreciate a tactile feedback without sacrificing a smooth linear experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Smoothie Silver excelling in speed and agility, while the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a gratifying auditory and tactile experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, notable differences emerge between their respective top housings. The Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound profile. This unique acoustic property is ideal for users looking for a less intrusive auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched, sharper, and more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of the material. The clear translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances its resonance but also makes it particularly suitable for switches equipped with RGB lighting, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional illumination.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, a different dynamic unfolds. The Smoothie Silver features a POM bottom housing that mirrors the top housing in its ability to create a muted and pleasant auditory experience, resulting in a cohesive sound profile across the switch. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam’s nylon bottom housing tends to absorb more sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller acoustic quality. This combination of nylon's softer properties with the sharper polycarbonate top housing in the Sunset Gleam offers a distinct contrast in sound presentation, emphasizing how each material's characteristics influence the overall auditory feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings significantly shapes the experience of each switch. While the Smoothie Silver's dual use of POM in both components results in a unified sound profile, the Sunset Gleam establishes a balance between crisp upper tones and deeper lower tones due to the differing materials. When pressing down on either switch, the distinct qualities of the bottom housing become more evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing's material influences the sound produced when releasing the key, showcasing the importance of both components in achieving the desired typing experience. Although the two switches feature different materials, the resulting combinations produce their own unique sound profiles and typing sensations that cater to varying user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Smoothie Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam is lighter at 42 grams. This means that users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might find the Sunset Gleam more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Sunset Gleam has a measurable force of 48 grams, which is categorized as light, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. Consequently, while the Sunset Gleam provides a more defined feedback when bottoming out due to its known force, users of the Smoothie Silver may find its bottom out experience different but cannot quantify it. Overall, if one is seeking a lighter option, the HMX Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may lean toward the Gateron Smoothie Silver.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a slightly longer distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressed, the Smoothie Silver is designed for a more responsive and quicker actuation, catering well to gamers looking for swift key presses. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced feedback for those who prefer a deeper, fuller typing experience. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Smoothie Silver is the better option, whereas if you appreciate a more substantial feel, the Sunset Gleam would be preferable. While the difference is minimal, it is significant for users who are particular about their switch preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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
The Gateron Smoothie Silver switch produces a distinctive thocky sound that users find pleasing, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a minimalistic yet satisfying auditory feedback while typing. The sound profile complements its short travel distance, striking a balance that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a subtle top-out followed by a satisfying clack, benefiting from factory lubrication that adds a refined quality to its acoustics. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a richer sound, making it enjoyable in both casual and intense typing sessions. Ultimately, the sound characteristics of both switches can be further influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, but each offers a distinct auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a seamless experience that facilitates rapid keystrokes. This smooth actuation can enhance typing speed, making it appealing for gamers and fast typers alike. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam leverages its carefully crafted material blend to create a tactile sensation that gives users a satisfying feedback during each keystroke. Although both switches are linear, the Sunset Gleam may deliver a more engaging tactile experience due to its unique design and factory lube, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback.
Considering both switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel while maintaining certain similarities in their linear nature. While the Smoothie Silver excels in producing a thocky sound and a feather-light touch, the Sunset Gleam offers a satisfying clack and a slightly more tactile experience. Depending on your priorities—be it auditory feedback or a smooth actuation—you can choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches promise excellent performance, but your choice between them will depend on whether you value subtlety or richness in sound, and smoothness versus tactile feedback in feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers an ultra-light touch with a very short travel distance, enabling rapid key presses and agility in gaming, the Smoothie Silver would be your go-to option. Its thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback without the heaviness; this could be ideal for competitive gamers or anyone who values speed above all else. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly more tactile experience that still maintains smoothness, the Sunset Gleam's 48-gram bottom-out force provides a gentle resistance which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort during lengthy sessions. The subtle top-out and satisfying clack offered by the Sunset Gleam could be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects – be it sound, feel, or actuation force – resonate more with your individual needs to make the most informed choice between these two excellent linear switches.
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