TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to distinct preferences. Among the popular choices are the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both linear switches that provide unique typing experiences. The Gold Pink switch is known for its feather-light actuation force of just 37g, making it ideal for users who prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, whether for rapid gaming or intensive typing sessions. With its clacky sound and a categorized feel described as 'buttery' and 'polished', the Gold Pink offers a lively sensation that many find invigorating. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight response, renowned for its smoothness and thocky sound profile, appealing to those who seek a more refined and balanced typing experience without sacrificing quality. While both switches have their merits, your choice ultimately depends on whether you lean towards a light and lively feel or a smooth and solid touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, it is evident that each switch utilizes distinct materials that impart different acoustic qualities. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic makes it suitable for users seeking a clear auditory response, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the illumination. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie sports a POM top housing, which is designed to deliver a deeper, more muted sound. This inherent difference in material properties results in contrasting auditory experiences when the switches are engaged, with the Gold Pink offering a brighter timbre while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a pleasant and softer acoustic output.
The bottom housing of each switch also contributes to their overall sound profile, yet with notable differences in material. The Gold Pink incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for producing a rounder and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb sound waves effectively. This creates a more bass-oriented and enriched auditory experience as the switch bottoms out. In comparison, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which also offers a muted sound profile but is characterized by a unique blend of acoustic qualities. Though both switches present deeper sound profiles, the nature of nylon's softness might create a different resonance compared to POM's distinct properties. Consequently, users may notice varying levels of richness and fullness in sound output between the two switches, depending on the typing dynamics and force applied.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches differ in their housing materials, they offer the potential for enjoyable and fulfilling typing experiences in distinct ways. The Gold Pink leverages the sharp and resonant qualities of polycarbonate in its top housing, while the nylon bottom housing combines with this to create a rich auditory experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, balances the deep muted sounds from both its POM top and bottom housings. For users looking for a satisfactory typing experience, each switch provides its unique appeal, and understanding the split qualities of each housing's material becomes crucial in selecting the right switch to suit personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches can generate satisfying acoustic responses, albeit through divergent pathways shaped by their material choices.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force at 48 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Gold Pink more suitable, whereas users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie. Additionally, the Gold Pink's bottom out force is 45 grams, which provides a clear indication of the resistance felt when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. The difference in actuation forces suggests that users will experience different levels of effort and feedback when typing or gaming on these switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the key difference is quite pronounced: the Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter of the two switches, commonly preferred by gamers for its quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gold Pink, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users find more satisfying, as it allows for a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor the responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the satisfying depth of a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
The TTC Gold Pink switch produces a distinct, clacky sound that is characteristic of lighter linear switches. This auditory feedback can create a more engaging typing experience, resonating well in environments that embrace the lively sound of fast typing or gaming. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile, which is deeper and more substantial, often preferred by users seeking a more robust acoustic response. The differences in these sound signatures provide diverse experiences: the Gold Pink can energize typing sessions with its energetic clack, while the Sea Salt Smoothie wraps users in a richer, more grounded auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch excels with its buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished characteristics. Each of these descriptors highlights a different aspect of its typing experience, from the seamless keystroke to the gentle resistance, making it exceptionally user-friendly and ideal for prolonged periods of typing. The polished nature of the Gold Pink also indicates a smooth experience, reducing friction and enhancing the overall tactile sensation. On the other hand, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie has not been specified; hence, it doesn't offer specific descriptors to compare with the refined experience provided by the Gold Pink.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie cater to different user preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Pink excels with its lightweight and lively typing dynamics, making it suitable for those who prioritize rapid input and a playful auditory signature. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to users looking for a richer sound experience. If you're in the market for linear switches, it would ultimately come down to whether you favor a clacky sound with a feathery feel or a thocky profile with more excitement to discover about its feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, particularly for gaming or rapid typing, the Gold Pink is the way to go. With its light actuation force and feathery feel, you’ll find it easy to execute quick key presses without finger fatigue. Additionally, the Gold Pink’s clacky sound adds an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that offers exceptional smoothness and a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more appealing. Although the specific bottom-out force is unknown, its medium weight and well-refined mechanics are designed for users who enjoy a more substantial and polished feel when typing. In shared spaces, the subtler sound signature of the Smoothie may be a better fit, as it offers a balance between performance and noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of typing and gaming you value most—speed and lightness with the Gold Pink or smooth and refined feedback with the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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