Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance and provides a typing experience that strikes a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Users appreciate its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making it suitable for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents itself as a medium-weight all-POM switch that excels in delivering a thocky sound profile alongside exceptional smoothness. This switch stands out for breaking the price barrier while maintaining high-quality performance, appealing to budget-conscious gamers and typists alike. Both switches embody the linear design, which minimizes tactile feedback, yet they offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it's evident that they differ significantly in their compositions and sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, delivering a distinctively pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as satisfying and clacky. This material contributes to a sound that is not only sharp but also resonant, which elevates the typing experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper, more muted sound profile that is noted for its pleasing and unique qualities. This difference in material inherently affects the overall auditory experience of each switch.
Moreover, the differences in sound characteristics reflect how the respective materials influence the nature of their keypress feedback. While the Ink Yellow's INK blend provides a more lively and sharper sound profile, the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie results in a more subdued acoustic experience that may appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing environment. The clacky nature of the Ink Yellow’s housing makes it highly engaging for users who appreciate a tactile, pronounced response, making it great for those who prefer auditory stimulation. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's muted sound profile makes it a suitable choice for environments where discretion is necessary, allowing users to enjoy a pleasant yet less obtrusive typing experience.
Despite these differences, both switches will ultimately provide commendable performance, allowing for a satisfying typing experience regardless of the material used. The shared quality of deliberate craftsmanship is evident in both models, meaning that users can expect durability and reliability in their switches. However, the distinct attributes of each material will guide one’s choice based on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. Therefore, while the Ink Yellow may resonate with those who enjoy a more vibrant typing sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie might better serve those who value a smoother, quieter interaction with their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that can be more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, with an actuation force of only 48 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Ink Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, giving it a well-defined resistance when fully pressed, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. This indicates that, while the Ink Yellow offers a consistent feedback profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's performance in this regard remains uncertain, potentially affecting user experience depending on how it is designed to behave when bottomed out. Overall, for a more tactile and resistant experience, the Ink Yellow would be preferable, while the lighter Sea Salt Smoothie may offer comfort and ease during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Ink Yellow exhibits a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow is the shorter option between the two, offering a snappier, more responsive feel that many gamers favor for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: opt for the Ink Yellow if you desire quicker response times, or the Sea Salt Smoothie if you appreciate a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, there are notable differences. The Ink Yellow switch is characterized by a neutral tone, which allows it to fit well in various environments, whether you're typing at home or in a more professional setting. It also features a clacky sound, providing a crisp and percussive auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Sea Salt Smoothie were not provided, thus leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat unknown, which could affect how well it may perform alongside the Ink Yellow in terms of noise level.
As for the feel, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists. This gentle response can enhance comfort during long typing sessions, while its polished nature ensures a smooth key travel with minimal friction, contributing to a refined user experience. Again, the Sea Salt Smoothie lacks specific details about its tactile feedback or overall feel, creating an uncertainty about whether it can provide the same level of comfort and efficiency that the Ink Yellow switch offers.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch stands out with its clear auditory and tactile qualities, characterized by a neutral yet clacky sound and a refined, mild feel, making it a versatile choice for various users. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while potentially a great switch, lacks detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics, leaving it challenging to make a direct comparison. If you prioritize a specialized typing experience, the Ink Yellow might serve you better, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie remains an intriguing option that could offer unique qualities yet to be fully explored.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with a more tactile feedback and a balanced typing experience that mimics both laptop keyboards and traditional mechanical keyboards, the Ink Yellow is a solid choice. Its clacky sound profile and polished feel make it suitable for various environments, whether you're intensively gaming or typing up long documents. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that emphasizes smoothness and a deeper thocky sound without as much focus on actuation force, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more to your liking. Its all-POM construction ensures that you experience a refined sound and feel, which is commendable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the kind of feedback and auditory pleasure that enhance your experience, whether you seek a pronounced clack or a smooth, thocky tone.
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