HMX Swift vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice between mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both feel and sound. The HMX Swift, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and unique sound profile; its full nylon housings provide a deeper audio signature, which many users find both satisfying and engaging. With a gentle 42g actuation force, the Swift is often described as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'bouncy', making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feel that is both subtle and balanced, ideal for users who enjoy the feedback of a tactile bump without overwhelming resistance. Its harmonious sound profile can enhance the tactile experience, appealing to typists who appreciate a little more texture without sacrificing smoothness. Both switches have their distinct advantages: the Swift for a lighter, smoother experience, and the Weightlessness for a more interactive, tactile touch. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is necessary to highlight the commonality in their construction. Both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared material composition means that typists can expect a similar acoustic experience from both switches. The nylon's softness grants a deeper and fuller sound profile, reducing the harshness often associated with harder plastics. Consequently, when typing on either switch, users will notice a rounder and more muted auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a more pleasant sound.
Despite the repetitive mention of nylon in both switches, it's important to consider the impact of housing design and production quality. Because the top and bottom housings of both the Swift and the Weightlessness are made from the same material, one might assume they provide identical typing characteristics. However, nuances can arise from factors such as molding precision and the specific configuration of the switch design. The bottom housing's properties will have a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, while the top housing's characteristics will influence the sound upon release. Thus, while the materials are the same, the variances in switch design could still lead to perceptibly different typing experiences.
In conclusion, while the HMX Swift and the Gateron Weightlessness share nylon as a common housing material, their overall performance may diverge based on other factors. The construction quality and design specifics will play a crucial role in shaping sound profiles and tactile feedback. However, typists can still expect a similarly gratifying acoustic experience rooted in the inherent qualities of nylon. By understanding the shared characteristics of these switches, enthusiasts can select between them with an informed perspective, focusing on their preferences for sound and feel while accounting for any potential variances that might arise from the different switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation forces highlight the preferences of different users. The HMX Swift features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its ease of use. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel during typing for those who favor a stronger push. The bottom out force for the Weightlessness, being unavailable, leaves a gap in our comparison here, as we can't assess how far down the switch travels when fully depressed. Consequently, while both switches can offer satisfying typing experiences, the Swift is the lighter option, which might appeal more to users looking for comfort over extended periods, whereas the Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, significant differences are evident. The Swift boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Weightlessness offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're after quicker responsiveness for gaming, the Weightlessness may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystrokes may find the Swift switch more appealing due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, if you favor a more abrupt feel and swiftness in your keystrokes, the Gateron Weightlessness would likely suit your needs better, while the HMX Swift caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound quality of the HMX Swift linear switch is defined by its deeper sound profile, largely attributed to its full nylon housing, which provides a richer auditory experience compared to the typically brighter tone of other linear switches. This clacky characteristic offers a sharp, snappy, and crisp sound with each keystroke, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch produces a balanced sound profile, though specifics about its sound characteristics are less emphasized. While it may not be as pronounced as the Swift, the Weightlessness switch's overall auditory presence is likely to still appeal to users who appreciate a subtler acoustic experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Swift switches excel with their silky smoothness and low actuation force of 42 grams, creating an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Descriptions such as "easy-to-press," "feathery," "bouncy," and "creamy" highlight their ability to provide a lightweight, responsive, and comfortable experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of extended typing sessions. The Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feedback, but the nuances of its tactile sensation are not detailed in the given information, leaving some ambiguity regarding its responsiveness and overall feel in comparison to the Swift's well-defined tactile characteristics.
In summary, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out with its deeper, clacky sound and exceptionally smooth feel, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and comfort during typing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, while offering a potentially balanced auditory and tactile experience, doesn't provide as much detail on its specific qualities. Ultimately, if a user is seeking a sound profile and feel more aligned with the Swift’s rich audibility and smoothness, the choice is clear. However, if they favor a tactile switch, the Weightlessness may still deliver satisfying results, albeit with some uncertainty regarding its performance metrics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the experiences you seek. If you prefer a switch that is easy to press, offering a silky smooth and creamy feel with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its light actuation force of 42 grams minimizes finger fatigue while still providing a lively, bouncy feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile experience with a subtle feedback feel that enhances your typing without being overpowering, you would likely enjoy the Gateron Weightlessness. Its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile response can provide a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming your fingertips. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel with a lively sound or a balanced tactile switch that offers more feedback for your keystrokes.
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