Gateron Smoothie vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different user preferences. The Gateron Smoothie is celebrated for its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery and thocky sound signature that appeals to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience while typing. Its lightweight touch and creamy feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, providing a smooth and satisfying keystroke with every press. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring an impressive actuation distance of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs essential in fast-paced gaming environments. Its bright, clacky sound profile adds to the excitement of gameplay, while its smooth push feel ensures responsiveness and agility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual needs—whether you prioritize the luxury of a thocky experience or the rapid responsiveness of a speedy gamer switch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase distinct characteristics that influence the sound profiles and tactile experiences of each switch. The Smoothie's top housing is made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is known for its unique auditory qualities. POM typically produces a deeper, muted sound that contributes to an overall smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to create a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature. The differences in material might lead users to perceive the sound vibrations differently, with the nylon's better absorption capabilities leading to a rounder auditory quality compared to the POM's more restrained acoustic output.
When examining the bottom housings, the Smoothie retains the POM material while the Vintage Citrus opts for nylon as well. Here again, the POM material in the Smoothie is noted for creating a consistent and pleasant sound, whereas the nylon provides a softer touch that also absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller bottom-out sound. This fundamental dissimilarity implies that the typing experience may vary significantly in actuation and release. The POM bottom in the Smoothie aligns with its top to reinforce the overall muted sound, while the Nylon bottom in the Vintage Citrus, while similar in depth, adds a dimension of richness that may make the typing experience seem more substantial.
Although the materials for the Gateron Smoothie and HMX Vintage Citrus differ, users can expect to achieve similar results in sound profiles while typing. The unique qualities of the POM and nylon housings can complement each other. For example, the synergy between the muted clarity of POM on the top and bottom of the Smoothie could resonate with users who appreciate a quieter, more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the combination of nylon's lush sound absorption in the Vintage Citrus can create a thrilling yet gentle blend of tactile response and auditory stimulation. Ultimately, while the switch materials differ, the user experience can still yield satisfyingly comparable auditory depth and tactile engagement across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, providing a more robust tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a substantial feel while typing. While the Smoothie has an unknown bottom out force, the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down. This difference also contributes to a contrasting experience between the two; the Smoothie’s lighter force may lead to quicker keystrokes, while the Vintage Citrus offers a more pronounced feedback. If one favors a lighter and easier pressing experience, the Gateron Smoothie is the ideal choice, whereas those seeking a stronger keystroke sensation might gravitate toward the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Smoothie featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. If you are looking for a quicker response time, the Vintage Citrus may be more appealing due to its shallower travel distance, which aligns with the recent trend of shorter distances favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced key press that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as those who enjoy a heartier depth will likely prefer the Gateron Smoothie, while those seeking responsiveness may opt for the HMX Vintage Citrus.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Smoothie has a distinct thocky sound signature. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying thud, which can feel quite pleasant during typing or gaming. The sound is low-pitched and subdued, providing a bass-heavy tone that is less intrusive, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing auditory feedback. In contrast, the sound profile of the Vintage Citrus is not specified, leaving its acoustic characteristics unknown. However, if a user prioritizes sound over other qualities, they can experiment with different keycaps and keyboard materials to shape their audio experience, regardless of the switch.
In terms of feel, the Smoothie excels with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience, allowing for effortless typing that feels both luxurious and satisfying. The seamless push of the Smoothie is designed to minimize resistance, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus's tactile characteristics are not detailed, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this area. However, for users focused on a rapid-fire typing experience due to its low actuation force, the Vintage Citrus may still provide a dynamic feel, catering particularly well to gamers.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Smoothie offers a well-rounded experience with its thocky sound and buttery feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus remains an enticing option, especially for gamers seeking speed with its low actuation force. Without explicit details on the Vintage Citrus's sound and feel, users may need to prioritize experimenting with these switches in conjunction with their keyboard setups to find the right combination for their preferences. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user needs, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a customized typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should hinge on your specific usage scenarios and personal preferences. If you value a soft, thocky sound signature paired with a remarkably smooth and buttery typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie is likely the better fit for you. This switch excels in providing a tactile and satisfying experience, making it excellent for both typing and leisurely gaming sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid response times, the HMX Vintage Citrus might be more suited to your needs. Its low actuation force and quick 1mm response time are designed with speed in mind, allowing for those rapid-fire keystrokes to enhance your competitive gameplay. Furthermore, the bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback, suitable for gamers who relish a more stimulating experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects—sound, feel, and responsiveness—are most important to you in a mechanical switch, and let that guide your decision.
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