Gateron Smoothie vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX SU, both linear switches that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Gateron Smoothie has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound signature, thanks to its all-POM construction that balances performance with affordability. This switch is often described as buttery, creamy, and silky, making it an enticing option for those who enjoy a soft touch and a low-pitched auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivers a subtle yet deeply satisfying sound profile that appeals to users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback without sacrificing smoothness. While both switches excel in delivering a linear feel, the Smoothie's lively characteristics contrast with the slightly deeper resonance of the HMX SU, catering to different tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Linear

HMX SU Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Smoothie and the HMX SU switches differ in their housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and user experience. The Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, known for creating a unique sound that is both muted and deeper. POM is a harder plastic that contributes to a distinct auditory experience by offering a controlled and pleasing auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon housing for both its upper and lower sections. Nylon, being a softer material than POM, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile that is characterized by a deeper resonance. This distinction means that while both switches may deliver a pleasing auditory experience, the Smoothie's POM construction will produce sharper and more defined sounds, whereas the HMX SU will offer a more subdued and dampened acoustic response.

Despite the differences in materials, both switches share a similarity in producing deeper sound profiles. The Gateron Smoothie's POM housings generate unique acoustic characteristics, albeit in a more muted fashion, which may appeal to users seeking sound quality without excessive noise. The HMX SU, with its nylon composition, similarly achieves a deeper sound, though this is achieved through a softer touch that insulates the key presses, making for quieter operations. Both switches can be expected to yield satisfying auditory results, albeit through their respective material advantages—POM's crisp definition versus nylon's warm absorption. Therefore, while the Smoothie may feel more pronounced with sharper feedback, the HMX SU's softer construction can create an equally engaging typing experience with its fuller sound.

Ultimately, the performance and feel of both switches hinge on the impact of their respective materials. The bottom housing of the Gateron Smoothie, being POM, contributes predominantly to the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback, ensuring a distinct and resonant bottoming action. Meanwhile, the HMX SU's nylon bottom housing exhibits similar traits, with sound absorption qualities that influence its performance less aggressively than its POM counterpart. As users are likely to notice variations in the sound and feel of each switch due to these housing materials, both designs effectively highlight the importance of housing construction in shaping the keyboard experience. Thus, whether one leans towards the Gateron Smoothie or the HMX SU, desired auditory results can be achieved with careful consideration of the unique qualities each housing material offers.

Weight

The Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch present contrasting profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. The bottom out force for the Gateron Smoothie is unknown, while the HMX SU provides a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feedback when the key is fully pressed. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use, the Smoothie would be the preferable choice, whereas the HMX SU might be better suited for those who appreciate a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in terms of how far they travel when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when activating either switch, leading to a consistent typing or gaming experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users looking for smooth linear action will find satisfying performance in either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch stands out with its thocky, low-pitched sound profile that evokes a deep and satisfying auditory experience—akin to a rich "thud" or a gentle "knock" when a key is pressed. This switch produces a subdued tone, meaning it offers a pleasant acoustic environment that won’t overpower your workspace, making it suitable for both quiet and active settings. In contrast, details regarding the HMX SU's sound profile are not specified, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. However, it's worth noting that the acoustic properties of these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used, so users might find themselves enjoying a similar overall experience depending on their personal setup.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie excels with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky, suggesting a wonderfully smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This implies that users will enjoy a seamless transition between presses, giving each keystroke the sensation of gliding effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the feel of the HMX SU is not detailed, leaving a gap in knowledge about how it compares to the Smoothie. Given the Smoothie's luxurious texture, fans of highly tactile experiences may lean towards it for that enriched satisfaction.

In summary, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch shines with its unique thocky sound and incredibly smooth feel, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to combine auditory pleasure with typing enjoyment. Meanwhile, the attributes of the HMX SU linear switch remain largely unknown in both sound and feel, which creates an uncertainty about how it stands in relation to the Smoothie. If you're looking for a noteworthy switch experience, opting for the Smoothie is likely to lead to satisfaction, while the SU's qualities glimmer with potential that is yet to be fully explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a light touch and an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, the Smoothie will likely be the better choice for you. With its thocky sound signature and buttery feel, it enhances both gaming and typing experiences by providing a satisfying and effortless engagement that many users find appealing. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more feedback with a slightly deeper audio profile, the HMX SU may be more suitable. Its 50-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance for those who seek a tactile experience without venturing into excessively heavy switches. Ultimately, if you are leaning towards a more subdued yet refined typing experience, the SU could be your go-to. By assessing the kind of feedback, sound, and smoothness that resonates with your style, you'll be better positioned to make an informed decision between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more