Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as noteworthy linear options, each with unique characteristics. The Keylin, developed using new molds from Keygeek, is celebrated for its premium typing experience, characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a refined sound and feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight, all-POM build that strikes a balance between affordability and high quality, delivering a satisfying thocky sound profile without compromising on smoothness. While both switches provide a linear feel that many typists appreciate, the Keylin may cater more to those seeking a luxurious experience, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to budget-conscious users who still desire top-notch performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a fundamental distinction can be drawn between their choice of plastics. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder auditory experience. The significant advantage of nylon is its capacity to reduce noise, making it a favored choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene), a material celebrated for producing a unique and pleasing sound. Although the auditory outcome is categorized as deep and muted, it still contrasts with the fuller sound character offered by nylon.
In terms of the impact of housing on typing experience, the Keylin's nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Given the inherent qualities of nylon—being softer and more absorbent than harder materials—it significantly contributes to a muted feedback, ideal for users prioritizing noise reduction. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing also emphasizes sound profile, but it brings a different texture to the typing experience with its distinct resonance. Users may appreciate the nuanced sound variations, even if both switches provide a muted auditory experience.
Despite the differences in materials, the overall sound profile resulting from the combination of housing in both switches can yield similar results. The nylon housings of the Keylin and the POM housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie both accomplish this by providing deep and mellow auditory feedback, albeit through different mechanisms. While the Keylin's nylon creates its muted effects through absorption and softness, the POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie achieves this via its unique composition and acoustic properties. Ultimately, while the two switches display material variations, the deep sound profiles they produce can still satisfy users seeking a similar auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences in actuation force reveal the Keylin as the lighter option. The Keylin has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a firmer push feel, though its bottom out force is unknown. Therefore, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the smoother or heavier tactile feedback offered by the Sea Salt Smoothie. Ultimately, if both switches could provide comparable bottom out experiences, those preferring less strain during long periods may find the Keylin's lighter touch more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Keylin has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm highlights a subtle but noticeable variance between the two switches. For users seeking a quicker, more responsive feel, the Keylin may be the more appealing option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and deeper feedback may find the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance of 3.7 mm to be more comfortable. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preference; if you value speed in gaming, the Keylin will provide a slight advantage, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, providing a pleasing auditory experience with a softer and rounded sound profile that enhances the overall typing environment. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a distinctive thocky sound that adds a satisfying resonance with each keystroke. Both switches ensure a pleasant auditory experience; however, the Keylin leans towards a more subtle sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper, more impactful auditory response. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch stands out with its exceptional smoothness, allowing for fluid key presses that enhance typing efficiency. The Sea Salt Smoothie also boasts an impressive smoothness owing to its all-POM construction, providing a similar luxurious typing experience. The Keylin may have a slight edge in premium feel due to its new mold design, potentially resulting in a more refined tactile journey. Nonetheless, users can expect both switches to deliver a satisfying tactile feedback that prevents finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking quality linear switches. While the Keylin is characterized by its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a thocky sound profile with similarly impressive smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but either switch promises a remarkable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch depends greatly on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy typing on switches known for rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Keylin would be a great option for you, particularly if you’re looking for a switch that enhances both gaming and typing experiences. On the other hand, if you favor a medium-weight switch that delivers a thocky sound profile while maintaining exceptional smoothness at a more accessible price point, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your ideal choice. Think about the context in which you’ll be using the keyboard—if sound profile and tactile feedback are primary considerations, lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie; if ultra-smooth action and a lighter touch suit your style better, you would want to opt for the Keylin. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, and the best choice will align with your specific typing preferences and budget.
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