TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Bluish White switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing typists with a satisfyingly poppy experience that is complemented by a snappy sound profile. This tactile nature makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an audible cue along with a pronounced feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a linear typing experience characterized by its medium weight and exceptional smoothness; this switch is ideal for users who prefer a quieter operation with a softer feel on keystrokes. While the Bluish White is perfect for those who value tactile feedback and a more active typewriting experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is tailored for enthusiasts who enjoy a smooth and fluid motion without the added distraction of tactile bumps. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Bluish White switches and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the differences in housing materials play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This results in a high-pitched tone that is particularly conducive to RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the lighting. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie uses a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While POM is also a sturdy plastic, it differs significantly from polycarbonate in terms of the auditory experience, leaning towards a quieter, yet unique acoustic signature.
Looking at the bottom housing, the differences continue to manifest in notable ways. The TTC Bluish White switches come with a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, consequently yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing as well, which, while also offering a deeper sound, is characterized as relatively more muted when compared to nylon. This means the lower-end tone of the Sea Salt Smoothie will maintain a certain richness, albeit lacking the resonant depth provided by the nylon of the Bluish White switch. Thus, while both switches aim for a pleasing sound profile, the materials used in the bottom housings lead to differing auditory experiences.
When considering overall performance, the blend of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to their distinct characteristics during use. In the case of the Bluish White, the sharper acoustic qualities of the polycarbonate top housing make it generate a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing softens the impact of bottoming out. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top and bottom housings yield a consistently muted and rich auditory response, providing a more uniform experience throughout the keystroke. Although the materials are different, if one is looking for a unique sound profile, they can achieve similar favorable results through careful mixing of the characteristics each housing material contributes to the switch, depending on personal preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams and an unknown bottom out force, we can see clear differences in their tactile profiles. The Bluish White switch is lighter overall, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a softer touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without significant fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with a heavier actuation force, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel during interactions. Since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie isn't available, we can't make a direct comparison there; however, based on the provided actuation forces, users looking for a lighter switch should lean towards the TTC Bluish White, while those who prefer a heavier feel may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more satisfying.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Bluish White the shorter option and the Sea Salt Smoothie the longer, which may appeal to different preferences when it comes to typing feel and responsiveness. Gamers often favor the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Bluish White for quicker response times, whereas those who prefer a more substantial depth while typing might lean towards the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Ultimately, if you value a snappier feel, the TTC Bluish White is the way to go; however, for a more traditional typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be your better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch produces a low-pitched, snappy sound that adds to the overall typing experience with its poppy feedback. This bass-heavy tone creates an engaging auditory atmosphere, enhancing the satisfaction of each keystroke. In contrast, while specific details about the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch are not provided, it is known for delivering a thocky sound that suggests a deeper, satisfying resonance upon actuation. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning users can achieve desirable acoustics with either option depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch stands out with its buttery, mild characteristic, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The tactile feedback is stepped, allowing users to notice the bump distinctly, although it remains subtle enough for comfortable typing. This combination ensures a polished typing experience, making them approachable for most users. In contrast, specific qualitative descriptors for the Sea Salt Smoothie’s feel are absent, but as a linear switch, it typically offers a smooth and unimpeded keystroke without tactile feedback. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a less pronounced actuation, emphasizing a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Bluish White tactile switch grants a low-pitched, snappy sound and a variety of tactile sensations, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is characterized by its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes. If you seek a more tactile, engaging experience, the Bluish White is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a uniform, linear feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suitable. Both switch types offer unique experiences, and depending on personal preference and keyboard setup, either can deliver satisfactory results.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a typing experience characterized by a light actuation force and a satisfying tactile feedback, then the Bluish White is an excellent choice. Its snappy, low-pitched sound profile and buttery feel create an engaging atmosphere perfect for those who appreciate a more active typing experience. Additionally, the subtle and polished nature of the switch makes it suitable for use in shared spaces without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a focus on sound dampening, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be more appropriate. While details about its bottom-out force remain unclear, its reputation for delivering a thocky sound profile makes it ideal for those who value profound acoustics during their typing sessions. Thus, consider the kind of feedback and sound experience you prefer when making your selection; whether it's the tactile engagement of the Bluish White or the silky, smooth journey provided by the Sea Salt Smoothie, each switch offers unique advantages that cater to different typing styles and environments.
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