TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each offering unique features suited to different preferences. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its supremely refined typing feel and quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a delicate and nuanced experience with a lightweight touch. Users looking for a milder, more muted feel may find the Light Cloud V2 particularly appealing due to its feathery keypress and ease of use. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight design that balances tactile feedback with a satisfying thocky sound profile, elevating the typing experience while breaking the price barrier without sacrificing quality. This switch is perfect for those who crave a smooth, satisfying keystroke with a bit more heft. Both switches cater to varying needs and preferences, ensuring that typists can find a fitting choice, albeit for different reasons. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit distinct differences that influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Light Cloud V2 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer composition that effectively absorbs sound. This characteristic allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the ability to create a more muted auditory experience when typing. The result is a sound that is duller and rounder, making it appealing for users who seek a quieter typing experience while maintaining a pleasant acoustic feedback.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. While POM is also designed to create a unique sound profile, it differs from nylon in both texture and acoustic properties. POM is known for producing a sound that is perceived as pleasing and muted, but it lacks the same level of sound absorption as nylon. As a result, switches made with POM can have a sharper sound upon actuation, albeit still falling on the deeper side of the sound spectrum. The nuances of each material manifest differently, with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing potentially providing a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback during keystrokes.
Despite the differences in material—nylon for the Light Cloud V2 and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie—both switches can achieve similar overall sound profiles. This is due in part to the fact that both switches are designed to emphasize deeper sound tones, even if they arrive at this auditory quality through different physical properties. While users may experience unique sensations and sounds depending on the specific switch used, those seeking to maintain a muted typing experience will find satisfaction in either option. Ultimately, personal preference will guide users in selecting between these housing materials, as each presents its own flavor of auditory enjoyment and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Light Cloud V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This variance means that while both switches provide a relatively responsive typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 is the lighter option, potentially favoring users who type for extended periods or prefer a softer feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push during their keystrokes. Since the bottom out force for the Gateron switch is unspecified, it leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall feel during intense usage.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference in travel distance may impact user experience; the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Light Cloud V2 can provide quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers seeking responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a bit more depth, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when pressing keys. Thus, while both switches fall within the realm of linear switches, the Light Cloud V2 offers a shorter and potentially faster experience, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who appreciate a longer, more deliberate press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Light Cloud V2 linear switch is characterized by its muted and neutral auditory profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for settings where discretion is key. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is not explicitly described in its sound profile. However, users can generally expect that a switch marketed as "smooth" may present a more refined auditory experience, potentially leaning towards a thocky sound, which is favored by many typists. Ultimately, the sound output will also depend on various factors, such as the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps.
When considering feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 excels with descriptors such as mild, easy-to-press, and feathery. This translates to a typing experience that is gentle and effortless, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Its lightweight nature allows for a subtle, nuanced response, making it particularly appealing for those who prioritize comfort. Unfortunately, there is no information provided on the feel characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, which leaves a gap in comparison. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its smoothness, which may suggest an enjoyable feel, albeit without specific descriptors to quantify this aspect.
In conclusion, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches offer a distinct advantage for users seeking a quiet and gentle typing experience, with their muted sound and featherweight feel being standout features. While the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie brings a promise of smoothness and potentially a thocky sound, the lack of detailed descriptions leaves room for curiosity. Thus, if you prefer a refined, silent experience, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is the ideal choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may cater to those looking for something different, though with less specific traits confirmed.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire. If you value a more muted sound profile along with a light and nuanced feel, the Light Cloud V2 is your best option. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, combined with its delightful mild and feather-like characteristics, makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether you're working in a quiet office or gaming at home. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a robust thocky sound while ensuring exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the switch for you. While the bottom-out force is unknown, its medium-weight construction is likely to provide a satisfying typing experience that combines quality with value. Ultimately, consider your priorities—whether they're silent operation and comfort or smoothness and sound profile—to make the most informed choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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