Gateron CM vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron CM and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing, which creates a richer, deeper sound profile and a buttery, almost creamy typing experience, enhanced by a meticulous factory lubrication. Its dual-staged spring design ensures a bouncy and dynamic feel, making each keystroke an engaging experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, crafted from medium-weight POM material, offers a thocky sound profile accompanied by a level of smoothness that encourages long typing sessions without fatigue. While the CM may appeal to those seeking a more robust auditory experience and a plush typing sensation, the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for those who desire high-quality performance at a more budget-friendly price point. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes evident that the two switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Gateron CM features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is well-known for its ability to absorb sound, lending a deeper and fuller acoustic profile to the typing experience. The nylon's softer composition allows it to dampen vibrations effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM top and bottom housing, which is celebrated for creating a pleasing and unique auditory experience. POM, while also having a somewhat muted sound profile, offers a distinct character that can be perceived as equally satisfying yet different from that produced by nylon.

Despite the differences in materials, both the Gateron CM and the Sea Salt Smoothie contribute to a deep and relatively muted sound profile, albeit through different acoustic properties. The nylon construction of the Gateron CM absorbs sound more effectively, providing a fuller sound when typing and a more subdued bottom-out noise. Conversely, the POM housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie does not absorb sound in precisely the same way, but it creates a unique auditory experience that is appreciated by many. The separation of materials means that while the two switches yield a similar outcome in terms of sound depth and muting quality, they each offer a distinctive feel and sound signature that can appeal to different preferences for tactile feedback and acoustics.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may come down to personal preference for material characteristics rather than a clear superiority of one over the other. Users may find the nylon of the CM provides a more traditional typing experience with a deeper resonance and dampened sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM construction might appeal to those seeking a distinct auditory and tactile reaction. Both switches can yield similar results regarding sound depth, but the feelings associated with pressing and releasing the keys will differ, thanks to the materials used in their housings.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, with the CM switch requiring a force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter at 48 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as its lighter force can reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, while the CM switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial keystroke experience when pressed down fully. Therefore, while the CM switch is heavier overall, providing a firmer typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, catering to those who favor a softer touch without a defined bottom out measurement. Users seeking a more tactile, heavier feel may prefer the Gateron CM, while those looking for a smoother, lighter experience might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a longer travel distance by just 0.1 mm, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel for a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron CM, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, might be more attractive to gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. Thus, individuals choosing between the two will find that the CM switch allows for a slightly snappier action, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more pronounced depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out with its deep, bassy profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that provides a rich, satisfying thock when each key is pressed. This low-pitched auditory feedback creates an engaging typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch remain undefined; therefore, it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding its sound profile. However, since sound is influenced by various components such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, users may still achieve a pleasing auditory experience with either switch depending on their setup.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM switches provide an array of tactile sensations that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. They are described as buttery and creamy, supported by a polished finish due to an impeccable factory lube job, which reduces friction and allows for fluid keystrokes. Users can expect a frictionless typing experience, with the elongated dual-staged spring adding to the bounciness. Again, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is unspecified, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. Nevertheless, since the CM switches offer such superb sensations, it is likely that the Sea Salt Smoothie can deliver a similarly smooth typing experience through its POM material, though without definitive descriptions, this remains uncertain.

In summary, the Gateron CM linear switch excels in both sound and feel, providing users with an immersive and smooth typing experience characterized by depth and richness. While the Sea Salt Smoothie’s auditory and tactile attributes are not explicitly defined, there is a chance for it to offer similar smoothness through its materials. Ultimately, if you prioritize sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard experience, the CM stands out as a clear choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie might offer a more budget-friendly option, potentially delivering satisfaction depending on the specifics of your keyboard setup and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you lean towards a deeper, richer auditory experience filled with bassy tones and enjoy a medium-heavy typing resistance, the Gateron CM is your go-to option. Its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube create a uniquely smooth and polished typing journey, ideal for those who appreciate a bouncy and engaging feel beneath their fingers. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that breaks the mold in terms of price yet does not compromise on quality, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suitable for you, especially if you prefer an all-POM switch that promises to deliver both smoothness and a satisfying thocky sound. While the exact bottom-out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, its design ensures a pleasant typing experience that maintains a crisp sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you want a more tactile and immersive experience with the CM or a lightweight and enjoyable typing journey with the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more