Gateron Smoothie vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Twilight both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Smoothie is an all-POM switch that stands out for its buttery feel and thocky sound signature, providing a creamy typing experience that ensures each keystroke is both satisfying and subdued. Its lightweight touch makes it accessible for long typing sessions, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and smoothness. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch boasts an impressive 3.85mm travel distance, delivering a slightly quieter typing experience while retaining the signature clacky characteristics found in HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a little bit of auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. Both switches have their specs that cater to different typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Twilight switches, one can draw intriguing contrasts based on the types of plastics used. The Gateron Smoothie's top and bottom housings are crafted from POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for its unique acoustic properties. POM is a harder plastic that tends to create a distinct, muted sound profile, which many users find appealing. The sound produced by POM housings is characterized by its deeper tone, resulting in a clear yet softer auditory experience. This attribute is consistent across both the top and bottom housings of the Smoothie, ensuring that the cohesiveness of the sound remains intact regardless of which part of the switch is engaged.

In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch material and is known for its softer composition compared to POM. As a result, the Twilight provides a fuller sound profile that is rounder and softer due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively. This leads to a richer auditory experience that differs from the POM-based Smoothie. The nuanced acoustic performance of the Twilight’s nylon housings enhances both the bottom-out sound and the release sound, though the attributes may feel distinct from one another due to the softer nature of nylon.

Despite the differing materials, both the Gateron Smoothie and HMX Twilight switches produce deeper sound profiles, albeit through different mechanisms. Users seeking a more muted, unique sound will appreciate the POM used in the Smoothie, while those who prefer a fuller, rounder auditory experience may lean towards the nylon of the Twilight. The impact of the housing materials is evident in the character of the sound produced during both the key press and release; thus, while the methodologies differ, each switch ultimately satisfies the need for an engaging acoustic experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

The Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Smoothie features an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it the lighter option compared to the Twilight's actuation force of 42 grams. However, the Smoothie does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Twilight's bottom out force is known to be 50 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. For typists who favor lighter switches for extended use, the Gateron Smoothie may be more favorable, given its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the heavier HMX Twilight switch due to its greater bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel during typing. Overall, while both switches aim to deliver a smooth typing experience, their differences in force characteristics can influence user preference significantly.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Twilight linear switches, the differences are notable. The Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Twilight measures 3.85 mm, resulting in a more traditional and deeper feel. This variance means that if you prefer a quicker response time and a more abrupt keypress, the Gateron Smoothie might be the better choice for you. Conversely, if you favor a more substantial travel experience, the HMX Twilight would likely be more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Therefore, while both switches are suitable for various preferences, the Smoothie offers a snappier response, whereas the Twilight provides a more pronounced depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch delivers a distinctive thocky sound profile characterized by its richness and depth. This switch produces a low-pitched thud when pressed, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find enjoyable. Its subdued nature ensures a more muted acoustic output, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed to offer an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a quieter sound signature while maintaining its clacky characteristics. However, specific sound descriptors for the Twilight have not been provided, making it challenging to quantify its tone relative to the Smoothie. Nonetheless, you can expect a distinctly different auditory experience with the HMX Twilight, likely leaning towards muted yet satisfying sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie is commended for its buttery, creamy, and silky keystroke experience. Users can anticipate effortless, fluid transitions across the keys, as the smoothness is enhanced by the POM material used in its construction. This results in a typing sensation that feels almost luxurious, as your fingers glide seamlessly from one key to the next. In contrast, the HMX Twilight's tactile feedback and feel are currently unknown, which leaves a gap in its comparative profile. However, if the Twilight switch shares characteristics with other HMX offerings, it could potentially provide a different feel that may not match the Smoothie's buttery smoothness but could have its own unique tactile attributes.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch stands out with its thocky sound, smooth feel, and high-quality materials that provide an aesthetically pleasing typing experience, the specifics of the HMX Twilight remain vague in comparison. The Twilight's quieter sound and extended travel distance could cater to those seeking a more subtle audio environment. Ultimately, if you're drawn to the smooth and satisfying qualities of the Smoothie, you may experience a similar trajectory of enjoyment with the Twilight, though the definitive tactile feedback and auditory characteristics of the HMX switch warrant further exploration to fully understand their distinctions.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a thocky sound signature and a buttery-smooth, creamy feel that enhances your overall typing experience, then the Gateron Smoothie is an excellent choice for you. Its unique POM construction provides a rich, low-pitched sound alongside an effortlessly smooth keystroke, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where quietness isn't a priority. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a slightly quieter experience while still enjoying a responsive feel, you may gravitate towards the HMX Twilight. With its extended travel distance and satisfying clacky characteristics, it's perfect for those who appreciate a blend of performance and subtlety, especially in environments where noise levels are a concern. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the sound, feel, or actuation force—and you'll find that either choice can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience significantly.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more