Gateron Smoothie vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie is renowned for its buttery feel, thocky sound signature, and lightweight touch, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize smoothness and a low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, with a delicate 42g actuation force that provides a feathery and bouncy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Swift differ in their top and bottom housing compositions. The Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. On the other hand, the Swift utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both housings create a deeper sound profile, the materials used contribute to their unique characteristics.
Despite the difference in materials used for the top and bottom housings, both the Gateron Smoothie and HMX Swift offer a similar experience in terms of creating a deeper sound profile. The POM top and bottom housing of the Smoothie work together to produce a consistent and pleasing sound that is deep and muted. Similarly, the nylon top and bottom housing of the Swift collaborate to offer a fuller sound with a rounder tone. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the switch's sound and feel, it becomes apparent that the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it be POM or nylon, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential on the sound that occurs when the key is released. Understanding how these materials interact with each other and with the key press can provide insight into the overall typing experience and sound profile of switches such as the Gateron Smoothie and HMX Swift.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Swift has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, meaning that the force required to fully press the keys on these switches is unclear. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the Swift for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Smoothie is slightly below the most traditional 4.0 mm distance, making it a good option for those looking for a quicker response time, especially beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, the Swift's 3.9 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie 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 for $2.60.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich sound experience with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone. The Smoothie tends to produce a more subdued sound compared to the brighter sound profile of the Swift. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can complement different preferences and setups, so choosing between them would depend on personal sound preferences and the overall sound profile desired for the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is noted for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches deliver a smooth typing experience but with slightly different tactile feedback and actuation force levels. The choice between the two would largely depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing feel for the keyboard.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch each have their own set of subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie is known for its thocky sound and buttery, creamy feel, while the Swift offers a clacky sound and easy-to-press, feathery feel. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, tactile feedback, actuation force, and overall typing experience desired. Both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience with high-quality linear switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no specific bottom out force and enjoy a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile with a buttery, creamy, or silky feel, then the Gateron Smoothie is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light 50-gram bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, or creamy feel, then the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align best with your typing style and preferences.
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