HMX Gulf 57 50g

Quick Summary

The HMX Gulf 57 is a medium-weight linear that pairs a polycarbonate top with a Nylon bottom for a clean, slightly clacky sound and a notably smooth stock glide. At 50g actuation it’s firmer than HMX’s 42g lights, giving a more planted, deliberate press. It’s one of those budget switches that punches well above its sub-30-cent price, and it earns the praise it gets.

Specs and Feel

Gulf actuates at 50g and bottoms out at 58g, a medium curve that feels firm and controlled without being heavy. Total travel is 3.8mm, a touch on the longer side, for a full and satisfying stroke. The construction blends a polycarbonate T2 stem and PC top housing with a P5 Nylon bottom: the PC top brightens and sharpens the sound into a medium-clacky tone, while the Nylon bottom keeps the bottom-out from getting harsh. The 21mm spring matches the medium weight nicely. Factory lube is applied well, and the result is one of HMX’s smoother stock linears: clean glide, no scratch to speak of, and well-managed wobble.

Tuning

The Gulf is excellent stock and genuinely doesn’t need anything. The factory lube and tight tolerances mean it glides cleanly out of the bag. If you want to push the sound deeper you could hand-lube more heavily, but that mutes the clacky character that makes it interesting. A spring swap is the only mod worth considering for weight preference. Skip films.

Verdict

Buy the Gulf 57 if you want a medium-weight linear with a clean, slightly clacky sound and a smooth stock feel at a budget price. It’s firmer and brighter than the all-Nylon HMX Hibiscus 42g, making it a better fit if you prefer a planted press and a more present sound. It’s an easy recommendation for a typing board, and one of the better value linears HMX makes.