TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing two popular linear switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, enthusiasts will find notable differences and similarities that cater to diverse typing preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is lauded for its versatility and ease of use, providing a seamless typing experience that is suitable for a range of activities from gaming to office work. Its neutral sound signature strikes a balance, making it an unobtrusive choice for any auditory environment. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a unique appeal with its medium weight and thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback and exceptional smoothness that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic element. While the Gold Red Pro excels in its adaptability and subtlety, the Sea Salt Smoothie captivates with its tactile satisfaction and price-to-quality ratio. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes evident that the two switches utilize different types of plastics for their top housings, yet they share similarities in their bottom housings. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucence. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile that is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie uses a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound due to its inherent material properties. While both switches aim to deliver a pleasant auditory experience, the Gold Red Pro leans toward clarity and brightness, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound is characterized by its muted richness.
Turning our attention to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon for the Gold Red Pro and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Nylon, known for its softer and more absorbent nature, contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile. This choice allows the Gold Red Pro to provide a more rounded auditory experience at the bottom-out stage of the keystroke. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, while also relatively muted, shares a sonic depth that complements the qualities of its top housing. These contrasting yet complimentary materials create a scenario where the overall sound profile of each switch is influenced by the unique characteristics supplied by the bottom housing.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials for their top housings, their shared focus on achieving a unique sound profile through varied bottom housing materials provides users with a rich auditory experience. The distinction lies predominantly in the interaction between the two types of plastics used for the top and bottom housings. As a result, gamers and typists can anticipate different sound profiles when pressing the keys, with the Gold Red Pro offering a brighter note during key release and the Sea Salt Smoothie providing a deeper tone as the key bottoms out. Despite these differences, the effective combination of both types of housing in each switch can lead to satisfying results for users, whether they prefer a clearer sound or something more subdued.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unknown, so we cannot compare this aspect directly; however, given their differences in actuation forces, it may be inferred that the Sea Salt Smoothie could also have a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier actuation force aligns better with an individual’s typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Gold Red Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. For users who prioritize response times, the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter distance may offer a more reactive feel, appealing particularly to gamers. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Gold Red Pro's deeper travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference; opting for the shorter travel distance could enhance speed, while the longer travel distance may provide a more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a versatile auditory experience characterized by a neutral sound signature. This enables it to operate seamlessly in various environments, whether you're gaming, working in an office, or enjoying casual typing sessions. The sound produced is typically described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, allowing it to balance well with surroundings without being too intrusive. In contrast, there's no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch; therefore, a direct comparison on this aspect isn't possible. However, it's worth noting that sound can still vary based on the keyboard, switch housing, and keycap materials, so individual setups may significantly influence auditory output.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the Gold Red Pro strikes a harmonious middle ground with its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics. Users can expect a notably smooth typing experience with reduced friction, allowing for effortless key presses and releases. The gentle resistance and refined finish make it adaptable to a wide range of user preferences. As for the Sea Salt Smoothie, no specific details about its feel have been provided; hence we cannot make a direct comparison regarding tactile feedback or typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch showcases a well-rounded auditory presence and a smooth typing feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch remains an enigma in terms of sound and feel qualities. Depending on your specific needs, you might find the Gold Red Pro to be a safer and versatile choice, especially if you're focused on a quiet, polished typing experience. Without additional information regarding the Sea Salt Smoothie, potential buyers may want to take that into consideration when making a decision, as sound and feel are critical factors for comfort and usability in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your specific needs and preferences as a typist or gamer. If you value versatility and a seamless, accessible typing experience, the Gold Red Pro is a fantastic choice. Its neutral sound profile and polished, silky feel make it ideal for various environments—be it the quiet comfort of your home or the bustling atmosphere of an office. On the other hand, if you appreciate a thocky sound profile accompanied by exceptional smoothness and a more medium-weight feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better option for you. Its unique sound characteristics may create a more satisfying auditory experience, while still delivering a refined typing experience that handles well across different use cases. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize factors like sound, touch, and overall experience, ensuring your mechanical keyboard fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
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