Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different styles that cater to various typing preferences. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, stands out by revitalizing the classic experience with its tactile feedback and satisfying click, enhanced by smooth factory lubrication and dual-railed stems. This innovative approach allows users to savor the iconic auditory signature while enjoying a buttery-smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie embraces a linear design, offering a medium-weight all-POM switch that prioritizes smoothness and a thocky sound profile, breaking the price barrier without sacrificing quality. While the Melodic is ideal for those who crave the nostalgia of tactile feedback and a pronounced click, the Sea Salt Smoothie attracts users seeking a quieter, more fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Melodic’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, known for its stiffer structure that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic leads to a crisper auditory experience that is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is incorporated, given polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing that delivers a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials perform distinctively, the Melodic’s polycarbonate offers a brighter and more resonant tone, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housing results in a sound that is softer and less pronounced.
On the other hand, both the Melodic and Sea Salt Smoothie share similarities in their bottom housing materials, as they utilize nylon and POM, respectively. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice that results in a deeper, rounder sound due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively. Conversely, while the POM bottom housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie also produces a similarly muted and pleasing auditory experience, it introduces a unique tonal quality that distinguishes it from the Melodic. While the POM bottom housing aligns closely with the nylon in achieving a deeper sound profile, the specific characteristics imparted by each material lead to subtly different auditory outcomes.
When considering the overall sound performance of the Gateron Melodic and Sea Salt Smoothie, the combination of their top and bottom housing materials creates a layered auditory experience. The Melodic’s polycarbonate upper housing contributes a clear and resonant sound during key releases, while its nylon bottom amplifies a deeper note upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's unique POM top and bottom housing collaboration results in a consistent, muted sound signature with a pleasing depth. In both switches, the interplay between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of material choice in creating desired sound profiles, ultimately catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Melodic clicky switch has a known bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium force option, while its actuation force remains unspecified. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, though its bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that typists who favor a lighter feel for extended typing sessions might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might find the Melodic’s bottom out force to provide a satisfying push feel. Consequently, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the lack of a specified bottom out force for both switches leaves some ambiguity in making a direct comparison on that front.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Melodic switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users who prefer a more responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience may find the 4 mm travel of the Melodic switch preferable, as it provides a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and typing comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 characteristics of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Melodic stands out with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Users can expect a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience from the Melodic, making it a delight for those who appreciate classic clicky sounds reminiscent of stepping on crisp, autumn leaves. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie does not have a specified sound profile detailed here, but it is known for delivering a smooth yet thocky auditory experience. The actual sound perception of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used, meaning both switches can have varied acoustic experiences depending on the setup.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Melodic offers a unique tactile experience characterized by its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. The buttery quality ensures a seamless and fluid keystroke, while the invigorating nature provides pronounced feedback and a snappy response, creating an engaging typing sensation for users. On the other hand, no specific feel descriptors are provided for the Sea Salt Smoothie, which leaves its tactile nuances somewhat ambiguous but suggests a focus on smooth operation inherent to linear switches.
In conclusion, both switches showcase distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Melodic excels in delivering a satisfying clicky sound combined with a smooth yet responsive feel, ideal for typists who enjoy feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth, thocky sound profile, though its tactile qualities remain unspecified. Each switch provides a unique experience, whether users prefer a classic clicky feel or a more streamlined linear typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between them will hinge on individual taste regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences for sound and feel as well as your typing style. If you enjoy the classic tactile feedback and sharp, resonant sound profile of a clicky switch that provides a distinctive auditory experience reminiscent of crunching leaves, the Melodic is likely the superior choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures a satisfying actuation without being overly taxing on your fingers, making it excellent for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid response is crucial. On the other hand, if smoothness and a softer auditory signature appeal to you, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience that many users find comfortable for extensive typing, even though it lacks a defined sound profile. As you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey, think about how much you value sound feedback versus smoothness, and let that guide your switch selection to ensure you find the right fit for your needs.
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