TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two distinct yet appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, thanks to its shortened travel distance that results in a solid bottom-out experience, providing a tactile sense of closure with each keystroke. This switch not only excels in speed but also offers a harmonious sound signature, creating a satisfying auditory experience alongside its silken smoothness. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines as a medium-weight all-POM switch that strikes an ideal balance between quality and affordability. Characterized by a thocky sound profile, it offers exceptional smoothness, making it a delightful option for those who favor a more pronounced acoustic feedback in their typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each provide unique benefits that can enhance your overall keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the differences in their top housings stand out prominently. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiff structure that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This trait renders the sound of key presses more pronounced and resonant, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback from their switches. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a more muted and deeper sound profile. The material's softer characteristics lend it a unique quality, offering a more subdued auditory experience, which can appeal to users who prefer a less aggressive sound while typing.

Delving deeper into the bottom housing of these switches reveals an interesting parallel. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing is recognized for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is similarly aligned with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing. Both materials are on the softer side, which fosters an absorbing nature that minimizes the sound's sharpness. While nylon is a classic switch housing material, POM also contributes to a sound profile that is deep and pleasing, albeit in a slightly different way. This overlap showcases how both switches can provide a rich typing experience, despite their varied top housing materials, suggesting that users of either switch will enjoy a more rounded auditory feel thanks to the qualities embedded in the bottom housing.

Ultimately, the contrast between the top housings of the Gold Silver and the Sea Salt Smoothie, when paired with their comparable bottom housings, illustrates how sound production in switches can be influenced by the materials used. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver contributes to a brighter, clearer sound upon key release, while the POM top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more muted response. However, since both switches share similar bottom housing characteristics, they tend to produce a full, engaging sound profile in terms of bottom-out noise. Hence, even with differing top materials, users might find similar satisfactory results depending on their auditory preferences during typing.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The TTC Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch may find the Gold Silver more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger resistance may favor the Sea Salt Smoothie for its more substantial feel. Unfortunately, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we cannot compare that aspect directly. However, the different actuation forces alone provide distinct typing experiences: the Gold Silver is better for comfort over long durations, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a firmer touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Gold Silver features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the TTC Gold Silver the shorter option, appealing to users who prefer a quicker response time, especially gamers looking for fast actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keypress and a less abrupt experience. Therefore, if you value speed and responsiveness, the TTC Gold Silver is the optimal choice, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more satisfying depth for typing comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound characteristics of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch are notably defined by a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral profile that resonates a deep, satisfying note with each keystroke. This quality allows for a pleasant auditory experience that is both refined and versatile, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. The Gold Silver's sound signature emphasizes its intent for speedy action while still providing a fulfilling acoustic feedback that many typists find enjoyable. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s sound profile is currently unknown, leaving a gap in direct auditory comparison. However, it should be noted that sound perception can vary greatly depending on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a polished and silky typing experience that suggests a high level of refinement and smoothness. Its mild nature makes it approachable for all users, whether they're novices or veterans, as it strikes a balance between tactile responsiveness and ease of use. The switch's subtle resistance enhances the overall typing experience without overwhelming the typist, providing a comfortable yet decisive feel while typing. In contrast, the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie’s feel are not provided, which makes it challenging to directly assess how it competes against the Gold Silver's smooth performance.

In summary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch distinguishes itself with its engaging sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, making it a strong contender for typing enthusiasts seeking a seamless experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may also hold value with its unknown attributes, but without definitive information, it is difficult to gauge how it compares directly. Those choosing the Gold Silver can expect a consistently responsive tactile sensation and a satisfying sound, while anyone exploring the Sea Salt Smoothie may need to consider individual preferences and auditory environments to determine if it meets their needs. Overall, the TTC Gold Silver presents a well-rounded choice for keyboard aficionados, while details on the Sea Salt Smoothie await discovery.

Conclusion

To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver is your go-to option. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a resonant sound signature, ensures that every keystroke feels decisive and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for gamers or anyone who requires swift input for fast-paced work. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced sound profile along with a smooth typing experience at a competitive price point, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may better suit your needs. While it offers a thocky sound signature, the quality remains high with an emphasis on a refined touch. In shared environments where noise might be a concern, the Sea Salt Smoothie's subtle properties make it a preferable choice. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the kind of feedback you enjoy and how you use your keyboard daily, ensuring you choose a switch that aligns with your unique preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more