The HMX Blue Star and Gateron Grape Smoothie switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (PC vs POM), bottom housing (Nylon PA66+TPE vs POM), spring (stainless steel vs 22 mm dual-stage), actuation (35 g vs 60 g), bottom-out force (48 g vs 63 g), pre-travel (2.50 mm vs 1.50 mm), total travel (3.65 mm vs 3.80 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 HMX Blue Star is a silent tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon PA66+TPE bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a stainless steel spring. The 35g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.65mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. | The Gateron Grape Smoothie is a silent tactile standard MX mechanical switch with POM top housing, POM bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm dual-stage spring. The 60g actuation occurs at 1.50mm. The 63g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Gateron. Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | HMX Blue Star | Gateron Grape Smoothie |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent tactile | silent tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | POM |
| Bottom housing | Nylon PA66+TPE | POM |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | stainless steel | 22 mm dual-stage |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 35 g | 60 g |
| Bottom-out | 48 g | 63 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 1.50 mm |
| Total travel | 3.65 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | Gateron |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Blue Star is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Gateron Grape Smoothie can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Blue Star and Gateron Grape Smoothie 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 HMX Blue Star switches | Comments on Gateron Grape Smoothie switches |
The HMX Blue Star is a silent tactile switch engineered for a deep thock sound profile. Designed to deliver quiet yet satisfying tactile feedback, it combines a smooth press with a rich, muted thock — perfect for those who want a stealthy typing experience – LumeKeebs. | No comments on Gateron Grape Smoothie switches. |
