Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. The Gateron Smoothie Silver is renowned for its feather-light touch and lightning-fast actuation, thanks to its short travel distance and all-POM construction. Ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize swift responses and a satisfying thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver offers unparalleled smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch presents a different set of benefits with its heavier actuation force and unique PA12 top housing, which lends a softer acoustic profile while maintaining a crisp, higher-pitched resonance from its POM stem. This switch strikes a balance between sophistication and performance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel without sacrificing responsiveness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), there are notable differences that impact both sound and tactile experience. The Smoothie Silver utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for creating a unique sound profile that leans toward a deeper tone with a muted quality. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon as its housing material. Nylon is a classic option revered for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound, owing to its softer properties that absorb sound more effectively. While both materials aim to deliver a satisfying acoustic experience, their inherent characteristics lead to different auditory outcomes.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the tonal qualities they contribute further differentiate the two products. The Smoothie Silver’s POM bottom housing, much like its top, promotes a muted sound profile that enhances the overall sound dampening effect of the switch. The bottoming-out sound tends to be softer, offering a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) brings forth more resonance and depth, creating a fuller sound. This allows for a richer acoustic experience when typing, as the nylon's ability to absorb sound is more pronounced, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out sound compared to the Smoothie Silver.

Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a relatively similar end-user experience in terms of sound profile. The POM housings of the Smoothie Silver and the nylon housings of the Xinhai (Heavy) both contribute to a deeper, more muted auditory output, albeit in distinct ways. Users can expect to enjoy a satisfying key press with either switch, where the qualities of the housing materials influence the sound when key releases and bottom-out moments occur. Ultimately, while the housing materials are different, they are designed to achieve similar acoustic satisfaction, albeit with unique characteristics that hobbyists may prefer based on personal taste.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Smoothie Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register each keystroke. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a firmer actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feedback and are willing to exert more force. Additionally, the HMX Xinhai has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating that it offers a noticeable resistance when pressed fully down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown, but if it were to be comparable to the Xinhai, users may experience similar overall feedback and feel while typing. Ultimately, for those seeking a lighter touch, the Smoothie Silver is the better choice, while the Xinhai caters to those favoring a heavier, more tactile experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning they have the same travel distance from top to bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect similar tactile experiences and actuation responses when using these switches, making them suitable for those who prefer a consistent feel across their keyboard. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, they will provide comparable performance in terms of key response and feedback during typing or gaming sessions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch produces a thocky sound that is satisfying without being overly loud, making it a pleasant choice for both typing and gaming scenarios. The sound profile is rich and deep, contributing to an engaging acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. This combination creates a crisp sound that leans towards a more sophisticated tone. While the Smoothie Silver provides a fuller, thocky sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) excels in producing clear, resonant notes, allowing users to enjoy a distinct auditory feedback as they type. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique sound experiences, influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap choices.

When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, ensuring an effortless typing experience. The short travel distance and quick actuation make it ideal for fast-paced tasks, as each keystroke feels fluid and responsive. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is tailored for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Its design encourages a bit more resistance, making each keypress feel more deliberate and controlled. While the Smoothie Silver emphasizes speed and lightness, the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to users who appreciate a weightier tactile sensation, fostering a unique typing dynamic that may appeal to different preferences.

In summary, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches have their distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to varying user preferences. The Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and feather-light feel for speedy and smooth typing, while the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a crisper sound with a more substantial keystroke feedback. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritize an effortless typing experience or a more grounded feel, as both will provide enjoyable results based on their unique qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you're looking for a switch that allows for incredibly quick inputs with minimal effort, making it ideal for gaming or high-speed typing, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. Its light actuation and thocky sound provide an engaging experience that can enhance your performance in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a tactile feedback that lends confidence to your keystrokes—perhaps for programming, extensive writing, or simply enjoying a more deliberate typing experience—then the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be your better option. With its medium bottom-out force and crisp acoustic qualities, the Xinhai balances sophistication with a satisfying weight that many users appreciate. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you, whether that's the airy lightness of the Smoothie Silver or the grounded heft of the Xinhai (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more