HMX Swift vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and the Gateron Type S both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. It is categorized as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, creamy. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, known for its contemporary factory lubing techniques, provides a weightier keystroke with its 65g bottom-out, creating a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience. It is categorized as neutral, subdued. While both switches have their appeal, each catering to different preferences, it's important to delve deeper into their nuances to determine the best switch for your particular typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Gateron Type S are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Because both switches use the same nylon material for their top and bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both the Swift and Type S utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing, the impact of each housing material can vary. The bottom housing of a switch typically affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. This means that even though the materials are the same, the typing experience may differ slightly between the two switches based on the distribution of nylon in their housings.
Overall, the use of nylon housing in both the HMX Swift and Gateron Type S switches provides a consistent and reliable typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more comfortable typing experience, absorbing sound and creating a unique sound profile compared to switches made of harder plastics. Whether you choose the Swift or the Type S, you can expect a similar level of performance and sound quality due to their shared use of nylon housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter in both aspects. The Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Type S has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Swift requires less force to activate and fully depress a key compared to the Type S. This difference in force may result in a lighter and smoother typing experience for users who prefer a gentler touch, making the Swift ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Type S provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a firmer typing feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In essence, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Type S linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the HMX Swift, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper actuation may prefer the Gateron Type S. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience each individual is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a unique clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, and percussive due to its full nylon housings. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound experience, striking a balance between a moderate actuation force and a dampened sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Swift may appeal to those who enjoy a brighter and more tactile sound, while the Type S is ideal for those seeking a more neutral and subtle acoustic experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a feather-light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Swift switch provides a feathery, bouncy, and creamy typing sensation, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Type S linear switch is not provided, so we can assume that if it follows the characteristics of the Type S line, it may offer a weightier keystroke and a different tactile experience compared to the Swift.
In conclusion, the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Swift excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience with its lighter actuation force, the Type S offers a more neutral and subtle sound profile with a potentially weightier keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preference for sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing experience. It's important to consider all these factors when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Swift linear switch or the Gateron Type S linear switch, your decision may ultimately come down to your preferences in terms of key feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness, then the HMX Swift switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke with a more neutral and subdued sound profile, then the Gateron Type S switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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