Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Xinhai both offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Smoothie Silver, renowned for its all-POM construction, features a short travel distance that allows for lightning-fast actuation, delivering a feather-light touch and a satisfying thocky sound that many gamers and typists appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch showcases a unique PA12 top housing, resulting in softer acoustics and a POM stem that produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch is celebrated for its bouncy, clacky, and creamy characteristics, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic sound profile and tactile feedback. While both switches excel in their own right, one may gravitate toward the Smoothie Silver for its speed and smoothness, while another might prefer the refined acoustics and character of the Xinhai. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and HMX Xinhai switches each utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Smoothie Silver is built with POM for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a pleasing and unique sound characterized by a deeper, more muted tone. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is recognized for its rigid structure, which can enhance consistency and smoothness during key presses. This results in a sound that, while muted, provides a satisfying acoustic response that remains appealing during extensive typing sessions.
In contrast, the HMX Xinhai employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice that similarly promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherently softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more efficiently than harder materials, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. While both switches aim for a rich sound, the key difference lies within the housing materials themselves; nylon results in a sound that feels softer and can produce more nuanced acoustic feedback compared to the more consistent delivery of POM in the Smoothie Silver.
Despite their different materials, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and HMX Xinhai can yield similar results in terms of sound profile. Both switches are designed to produce a deeper sound that is tailored to typing enjoyment, thus appealing to users who prioritize acoustics. Because the housing materials contribute uniquely to different aspects of the sound and feel, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience. As such, players and typists can expect a comparative performance, regardless of the material, leading to similarly enjoyable auditory interactions with each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Smoothie Silver has a notable actuation force of 45 grams, while the exact bottom out force is unspecified, leaving a gap in our ability to compare that metric directly. In contrast, the Xinhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press, which can be advantageous for those engaging in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Xinhai has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger effort to fully depress the key compared to the Smoothie Silver’s unknown metric. Thus, while the Smoothie Silver may provide a heavier actuation experience, the lighter and more defined characteristics of the Xinhai make it the preferable option for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience. Ultimately, if one sought a similar feel, they would achieve that with the HMX Xinhai in lighter typing contexts, but for those who appreciate a more robust push, the Smoothie Silver could be more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that users can expect similar performance when pressing down on either switch. Since the travel distance is the same for both switches, they will deliver comparable tactile feedback and key press experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that switching between the two will not result in a noticeable difference in key feel or responsiveness.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch produces a thocky tone that is deep and rich, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. This sound profile is aided by its all-POM construction, which contributes to the switch's unique resonance and acoustics. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound characterized by a sharper, snappy quality. This distinctively crisp noise is enhanced by the PA12 top housing, which lends a higher-pitched resonance that provides more of a bright and percussive experience when typing. While both switches offer engaging auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences: the Smoothie Silver for a deeper, more muted sound and the Xinhai for a sharper, more prominent click.
When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver is known for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a feather-light touch that allows for effortless actuation and a generally comfortable typing experience. The smooth travel and lack of tactile feedback create a unified, flowing sensation as your fingers glide over the keys. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch presents a more dynamic typing experience with its bouncy feel, providing that wonderful spring-like feedback that gives a delightful rebound upon pressing the keys. Additionally, the creamy texture associated with the Xinhai means that users can expect a smooth, buttery touch with every keystroke. The combination of these qualities results in a lively and pleasant typing experience, standing in contrast to the more linear and smooth appeal of the Smoothie Silver.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Xinhai linear switches excel in their own right, producing distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and unmatched smoothness for those who prefer a deep and fluid typing experience, while the Xinhai delivers a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel that makes each keystroke lively and responsive. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to personal preference, as each switch brings unique qualities that can cater to varying typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Xinhai switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you're looking for a switch that provides an ultra-fast actuation with a significantly smooth feel and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. It's perfect for gamers or typists who prioritize rapid response times and enjoy a muted thocky sound without the tactile resistance found in other switches. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more dynamic typing experience with a noticeable bounce and a clacky acoustic profile, the Xinhai would better suit your needs. This switch's 45-gram actuation force creates a delightful resistance that many find satisfying, especially for both typing and gaming. Its crisp sound and creamy feel make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a richer auditory engagement while typing. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience, and that will guide you in making the best choice between these two impressive switches.
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