Gateron Smoothie vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences for sound, feel, and performance. The Gateron Smoothie, an all-POM linear switch, stands out for its impressive balance of quality and affordability, delivering a thocky sound signature alongside a smooth keystroke that many users find irresistible. Its characteristics—described as buttery, creamy, and silky—combine to provide a delightful typing experience that pairs well with a variety of setups, particularly for those seeking a quieter, yet responsive switch. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, sometimes referred to as the Duck Duck switch, carves a niche of its own with its subtle top-out and captivating clack, thanks to its masterful blend of materials and HMX's renowned factory lube. This switch offers a satisfying tactile response that many typists and gamers appreciate, making it a worthy alternative for those who prioritize a distinct auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing smoothness and a subdued experience, and the other delivering a more pronounced auditory signature. 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 Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam 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 and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the differences in sound profiles and material properties become evident. The Smoothie's top housing is made of POM, a material known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This creates a distinct acoustic experience, ideal for users looking for a smoother typing sound. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, resulting in a crisper audio feedback. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, making it more suitable for highlighting RGB lighting due to its translucency. Consequently, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Smoothie tilts towards a warmer sound, whereas the Sunset Gleam leans into a brighter tone.

The differences extend to the bottom housing materials as well. The Gateron Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the same deeper and muted sound profile that characterizes its top housing. This consistency in material choice reinforces the subdued acoustic nature of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more noise due to the softer plastic. While both switches provide a rounded sound experience, the specific characteristics of each bottom housing influence the overall aural feedback during typing. The POM in the Smoothie creates a more cohesive all-around muted effect, while the nylon in the Sunset Gleam accentuates the switch's muted qualities even further.

Finally, the interaction of these materials plays a crucial role in their overall performance. The Gateron Smoothie's uniform use of POM creates a sound profile that is consistently deep and muted from the top to the bottom of the switch, fostering an experience that may appeal to users seeking a more cohesive auditory feel. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's combination of a crisp polycarbonate top and absorbing nylon bottom allows for a split in the sound quality, where each housing highlights different tonal characteristics. This means that while the Smoothie provides a smooth transition in sound, the Sunset Gleam presents a more complex auditory response. Ultimately, both switches exhibit unique qualities that cater to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards, confirming that attention to housing materials is pivotal in designing a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires a slightly heavier 42 grams to actuate. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a tangible resistance when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown. This means that while you may experience a more responsive and softer feel with the Gateron Smoothie—potentially favoring longer typing sessions—the Sunset Gleam offers a firmer bottoming out experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, the Smoothie is the lighter option, appealing to users who appreciate reduced effort during extended use, while the Sunset Gleam caters to those who prefer a more defined resistance with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Smoothie measures 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Smoothie provides a deeper press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to users who prioritize responsiveness in their keystrokes, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you favor a more pronounced tactile experience, the Gateron Smoothie would be the preferable choice, while the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature. This combination produces a deep, rich sound that evokes a soft "knock" when keys are pressed, lending a satisfying auditory experience while typing. The subtleness of the Smoothie's sound can make it pleasant in both quiet environments and more active settings, without being overly distracting. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound signature remains unspecified, which leaves an element of uncertainty. However, considering that the Sunset Gleam is noted for its careful material blend and factory lubrication, it is possible that it might produce a unique sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics.

In terms of feel, the Smoothie excels with descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and silky. This indicates that it offers a remarkably smooth and enjoyable typing experience, facilitating effortless actuation and a seamless transition between keystrokes. The application of lubricant from the factory enhances this buttery sensation, allowing for minimal resistance and a more fluid interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the feel qualities of the Sunset Gleam have not been detailed, leaving potential users unaware of its tactile response. Given the manufacturing pedigree of HMX, one could hypothesize that it delivers a pleasant typing feel, but without specific descriptors, the experience remains less defined.

In summary, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch clearly distinguishes itself with its thocky sound and exceptionally smooth tactile experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam remains an enigma due to the lack of available information on its sound and feel qualities. Those seeking a definitive auditory and tactile experience might lean towards the Smoothie, while those intrigued by the unknown features of the Sunset Gleam may want to explore further. Ultimately, both switches could serve their users well, but the Smoothie currently offers a more fleshed-out profile for those prioritizing sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lightweight touch with a pronounced thocky sound and exceptionally smooth keystrokes, the Gateron Smoothie is likely the ideal option for you. Its all-POM construction offers a unique blend of softness and rich acoustic feedback, making it great for both typing and gaming without overwhelming your auditory senses. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and are looking for a subtle yet satisfying clack accompanied by excellent factory lube, the HMX Sunset Gleam will serve you well. Its light bottom-out force of 48 grams strikes a balance that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a more tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, consider what defines your ideal typing experience—whether it's a thocky sound profile and silky feel with the Smoothie or a clacky satisfaction and smooth actuation with the Sunset Gleam—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more