TTC Iron vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Iron and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct yet appealing characteristics for different types of users. The TTC Iron, renowned for its clacky sound signature and lightweight design, promises an engaging typing experience that combines auditory satisfaction with effortless keystrokes. Ideal for both enthusiasts and everyday typists, its buttery smooth travel makes it an attractive choice for those seeking precision in every press. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight option crafted from high-quality POM materials, delivering an impressive thocky sound profile while also ensuring a smooth typing experience. This makes it a fantastic choice for users who enjoy a firm yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke without breaking the bank. While both switches cater to linear switch aficionados, their unique features can appeal to different preferences and use cases. 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
41g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches both utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent auditory and tactile experience across both models. The POM material is known for its durability and smoothness, which contributes to the overall performance of the switches. Notably, both switches feature a deeper and more muted sound profile, making them ideal for users who prefer a less disruptive typing experience. As a result of their similar housing materials, users can expect comparable sounds and feels when bottoming out or releasing keys, leading to an engaging and satisfying typing experience.
While both the TTC Iron and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boast POM housing, one area in which they may differ is in the overall design and intended use of the switches. Although the material characteristics are the same, the switches may exhibit variances in actuation forces, stem design, and overall feel due to their individual constructions. Therefore, while the POM housing provides a unified sound profile, users may still notice differences in response and feedback when typing or gaming, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing. This dichotomy emphasizes how even slight design variations can shape the user's experience despite identical material choices.
In conclusion, the housing materials of both the TTC Iron and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie play a vital role in defining their unique sound profiles and performance characteristics. With both featuring POM for the top and bottom housings, the fundamental auditory experience remains similar. However, other factors—such as switch design and tuning—will ultimately shape how each switch feels and sounds during regular use. As such, enthusiasts may want to try both options to find which switch aligns best with their preferences, despite the commonality in housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation force. The Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its overall resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Iron switch is considered lighter overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a firmer feel during keystrokes. This distinction makes the Iron ideal for users seeking a softer touch, whereas those preferring a more substantial typing experience might find the heavier actuation of the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing, despite the lack of information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see a slight difference in their specifications. The TTC Iron features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie comes in at 3.7 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter of the two options, offering a marginally quicker actuation, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times. However, for those who prefer a more pronounced depth when typing, the TTC Iron with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. If users prioritize responsiveness, opting for the Sea Salt Smoothie might yield similar results, albeit with a more abrupt feel. Overall, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for depth versus speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by its pronounced clacky sound signature, which creates a sharp, percussive auditory feedback with each keystroke. This crisp and bright tonal quality adds an engaging layer to the typing experience, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory stimulation in their typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile that provides a more subdued yet satisfying auditory experience. While the Iron switch offers a more high-pitched and lively sound, the Smoothie leans toward a deeper and richer tone. It's important to note that the overall sound quality of both switches can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, but users can expect a notably different auditory sensation between the two options.
Regarding feel, the TTC Iron is designed for a light touch, ensuring that the actuation requires minimal effort. The gentle resistance during key presses offers a smooth and effortless typing experience that can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. The Iron's mild characteristics make it approachable and comfortable for both novice and experienced typists alike. On the other hand, while the specific feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie isn't explicitly detailed, one can infer from its medium-weight design that it provides a balance between effortless actuation and tactile feedback. This positioning hints at a pleasant typing experience, though the degree of smoothness may compare closely to that of the Iron.
When considering the overall picture of these two switches, both the TTC Iron and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present viable options for different preferences in sound and feel. The Iron's clacky sound paired with its light actuation creates a lively and engaging typing experience, while the Smoothie's thocky sound suggests a deeper resonance that might appeal to users seeking a more understated auditory experience. In terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort, the Iron excels with its easy-to-press nature, potentially making it the more favorable option for prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound signature and typing dynamics, with each promising a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and usage context. If you favor a light touch and enjoy an engaging auditory experience, the TTC Iron is an excellent option. Its clacky sound profile and buttery smoothness can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable, making it a great choice for both casual typing and gaming sessions where quick actuation is a plus. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a touch of thockiness and smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the switch for you. Its medium-weight design, while a bit of a mystery regarding exact force, suggests a versatile feel suitable for prolonged typing or professional environments. Ultimately, consider what aspects you value most—whether that's a fun auditory experience and light actuation with the Iron or the balanced, satisfying feedback of the Sea Salt Smoothie—as you make your choice.
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