To summarize previous posts:
Super-absorbent polymers (SAP, a.k.a. crystals, gel) need 50/50 PG to regulate RH, and PG can only regulate to 70% RH. PG also inhibits mold/fungus.
Mold/fungus spores are in the air, and will land on any damp surface and grow - doesn't matter what kind of water is making the surface damp, or whether the surface is a sponge, a paper towel, wood, foam, SAP, or beads.
However, silica beads - properly used - should never be damp enough to promote mold growth; hence water can be used. Beads can also be 'conditioned' (or bought pre-conditioned) to a specific RH, anywhere from 40% on up to about 80%. (Silica beads are often made with an additional chemical in them - Lithium Chloride for beads sold for humidors - for better performance than plain silica beads in the RH range that we like to have for cigars.)
IMHO: If one prefers to age/store/smoke cigars at different RH(s) than 70%, then beads, combined with active humidification, are the best for cigars. As you're in, IIRC, the desert, SAP's will potentially hold RH with PG better than beads. However, in temperate climates, the only place for SAP crystals is in small/medium desktop humidors, or in active humidification reservoirs. YMMV.
