Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preferences play a crucial role in enhancing your typing experience. The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out as a tactile switch, renowned for its sharp tactile feel and unique design, which combines PBT housing for a premium touch. With a pronounced downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke sensation, the Moyu Black delivers an engaging, snappy typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie embodies the smooth, linear switch experience, offering a medium-weight feel accompanied by a thocky sound profile. Its all-POM construction ensures a silky, buttery actuation that appeals to those who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback. While the Moyu Blacks provide a distinct and impactful tactile sensation, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering unmatched smoothness and a more subdued auditory experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Moyu Black features a top housing made of PBT, which is known for its neutral sound profile, providing a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly sharp nor too muted. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is crafted from POM, which tends to produce a deeper and more unique sound profile. This distinction suggests that while the Moyu Black may offer a more straightforward sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to deliver a richer aural experience that may appeal to users seeking a distinctive acoustic signature.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a similar contrast. The Moyu Black utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which also contributes to its neutral sound profile and overall tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is made from POM, providing a pleasing and somewhat muted sound that enhances its deeper tonal qualities. The differences in the bottom housings indicate that users may experience varied feedback when bottoming out the switch; the PBT bottom from Moyu Black supports a more balanced feel, while the POM bottom from the Sea Salt Smoothie introduces a unique flavor to the experience, contributing to a different sensation.
Ultimately, despite their distinct material choices, both switches can produce similar results in terms of overall performance, especially when it comes to the keypress experience. The PBT and POM materials used in their respective top and bottom housings will manifest differently in terms of sound and feel, but players can still achieve satisfactory results corresponding to their preferences. The Moyu Black’s neutral sound profile makes it a safe choice for users wanting consistency, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's unique sound signature may attract those looking for a more immersive experience. Therefore, understanding these differences allows users to select the switch that aligns best with their tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly lighter at 48 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more suitable for their needs. However, the Moyu Black's bottom out force is 67 grams, which indicates a firmer feel when fully engaged, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to compare how it feels when pressed all the way down. Overall, if you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience, the Moyu Black may be the better choice, while those who prefer a lighter keypress might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, assuming its undetermined bottom out force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Moyu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This small difference highlights a preference that could suit different users; if you enjoy a more substantial keypress with a heartier depth, the Moyu Black would be the preferable option. Conversely, those who favor quicker response times often lean towards shorter travel distances, making the Sea Salt Smoothie a solid choice for gamers. Ultimately, while both switches provide unique tactile experiences, the Moyu Black's longer travel distance may feel more satisfying for typists, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter travel distance caters to those looking for speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 it comes to sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) presents a resonant profile that is clean and sharp, creating an immersive auditory experience. This switch produces a higher-pitched, snappy sound with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lively and pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a low-pitched and subdued sound profile. Its thocky tone leans toward a bass-heavy and mellow signature, creating a dampened effect when the keys are pressed. Thus, while both switches provide distinct sound experiences, the Moyu Black emphasizes clarity and brightness, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards deeper, more muted sounds.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are notable. The Moyu Black is characterized by its sharp and accented tactile feedback, featuring a strong tactile bump that delivers high intensity and crispness with every keystroke. This heightened feedback results in a punchy and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery ride, promoting an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing sensation. This switch reduces friction and enhances ease when transitioning between keys, making it highly enjoyable for those who prioritize a seamless experience. Consequently, while the Moyu Black delivers an impactful tactile sensation, the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a gentle, effortless glide.
In conclusion, both the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Moyu Black excels with its resonant, sharp auditory feedback and hypertactile sensation, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more subdued acoustic experience complemented by its smooth and buttery touch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and pronounced response or a smooth and fluid typing experience. Each switch has its own unique charm, appealing to diverse typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you gravitate towards a nuanced tactile feel with a pronounced, engaging bump, the Moyu Black is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy resistance and sharp tactile feedback create a punchy and satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a strong sensory response with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtly immersive typing experience characterized by buttery smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie will likely resonate more with you. Its creamy feel and subdued auditory feedback are ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and a quieter typing experience are valued. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you want an impactful, tactile interaction or a silky, fluid experience as you type.
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