The HMX Ice Lotus and Gateron Banana Smoothie switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, - g , - mm , however, they come with different top housing (Nylon PA12 vs POM), bottom housing (Nylon PA66 vs POM), stem material (POM (modified) vs POM), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs dual-stage), actuation (55 g vs 60 g), bottom-out force (60 g vs 65 g), pre-travel (2.50 mm vs 2 mm), total travel (3.50 mm vs 3.40 mm). That said, they are not too 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 Ice Lotus is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon PA12 top housing, Nylon PA66 bottom housing, and POM (modified) stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2.50mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by YG Studio. Manufactured by HMX. | 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. |
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| Name | HMX Ice Lotus | Gateron Banana Smoothie |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon PA12 | POM |
| Bottom housing | Nylon PA66 | POM |
| Stem material | POM (modified) | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | dual-stage |
| Tactile force | - g | - g |
| Actuation | 55 g | 60 g |
| Bottom-out | 60 g | 65 g |
| Tactile bump position | - mm | - mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.50 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.50 mm | 3.40 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | YG Studio | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Gateron |
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 Ice Lotus is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Ice Lotus and Gateron Banana 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 Ice Lotus switches | Comments on Gateron Banana Smoothie switches |
The HMX Ice Lotus tactile switch features a large tactile bump and a new top housing structure. Unlike existing HMX tactile switches, Ice Lotus utilizes a new top housing mold, identical to that of Cloud V2 or Lunar Stone switches. With PA12 as the top housing material, modified POM as the stem material, and excellent factory lubrication, the Ice Lotus switch is exceptionally smooth out of the box – Unikeys. | 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. |
