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The Gateron Banana Smoothie and HMX Sandstorm switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (POM vs PC), bottom housing (POM vs PA66 Nylon), spring (dual-stage vs 22 mm single-stage), actuation (60 g vs 50 g), bottom-out force (65 g vs 58 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 2.30 mm), total travel (3.40 mm vs 3.10 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Gateron Banana Smoothie is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with POM top housing, POM bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a dual-stage spring. The 60g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 65g bottom-out occurs at 3.40mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. | The HMX Sandstorm is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2.30mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.10mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Gateron Banana Smoothie | HMX Sandstorm |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | POM | PC |
| Bottom housing | POM | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | dual-stage | 22 mm single-stage |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 60 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 65 g | 58 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2.30 mm |
| Total travel | 3.40 mm | 3.10 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron Banana Smoothie is much more widely available, but the HMX Sandstorm is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron Banana Smoothie and HMX Sandstorm switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on Gateron Banana Smoothie switches | Comments on HMX Sandstorm switches |
Gateron Banana Smoothie switches are heavy tactile mechanical switches that deliver a sharper, more pronounced tactile bump than standard brown switches, ideal for users who like strong, deliberate feedback with each keystroke. As the heavy tactile member of Gateron’s full-POM Smoothie lineup, Banana Smoothie combines a dual-stage spring with full POM housing and stem for a smooth yet firm keypress and excellent durability. A detachable light guide window ensures clean, bright RGB or backlighting while maintaining compatibility with modern SMD LED backlit mechanical keyboards – mechboards. | HMX Sandstorm - The latest HMX tactile switches feature a very pleasant and noticeable tactile bump, the familiar smooth HMX typing feel, and exactly the clacky sound we love from HMX! – MonacoKeys. |
