The Gateron Mint Smoothie and HMX Taro switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (POM vs PC), bottom housing (POM vs PA66), spring (single-stage vs 22 mm), total travel (4 mm vs 3.80 mm). That said, they are moderately 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 Mint Smoothie is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with POM top housing, POM bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. Bottom-out is at 4mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Gateron. Manufactured by Gateron. | The HMX Taro is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Light diffuser, double-shot stem. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. |
|
|
| Name | Gateron Mint Smoothie | HMX Taro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | POM | PC |
| Bottom housing | POM | PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage | 22 mm |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | - g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Gateron | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron Mint Smoothie is much more widely available, but the HMX Taro is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron Mint Smoothie and HMX Taro 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 Mint Smoothie switches | Comments on HMX Taro switches |
Meet the Gateron Mint Smoothie Linear Silent switch – the newest addition to the Smoothie Series. Built with full POM housing and engineered for whisper-quiet keypresses, this switch delivers both smoothness and silence without compromise. Whether you’re working in the office, late-night typing, gaming in shared spaces, or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, Mint slush is your best choice – Gateron. | The Taro silent linear switch is the newest MX style silent linear switch made by HMX. Different from previous HMX silent switches, the Taro switches utilise a double-shot stem, for a better silencing mechanism – SerpentKeys. |
