Cherry MX Black vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black 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 Cherry MX Black and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Cherry MX Black, renowned for its sturdy construction and classic textured smoothness, delivers a low-pitched, deep sound profile that many users find satisfying. Its stiff actuation makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a switch that provides a solid resistance, offering a tactile experience that's perfect for typing or gaming without accidental key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie introduces a medium-weight feel, embracing a thocky sound profile that adds a layer of auditory pleasure to each keystroke. With its high-quality all-POM design, this switch breaks price barriers while still providing exceptional smoothness and an impressive typing experience, appealing to those who value both sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, making the decision more about personal preference. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, it is evident that they use different plastics for their constructions. The Cherry MX Black employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classic material is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound and contributes to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is celebrated for its distinctive sound quality that is similarly deep and somewhat muted; however, it provides a slightly different auditory experience due to its unique physical properties.
Although both switches utilize different materials, their impact on sound profile shares some similarities. The nylon used in the Cherry MX Black contributes to a sound that is rounded and subdued, echoing the smoother tones brought out by the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Since both housing types are soft plastics—nylon being softer than POM—they tend to absorb sound better than harder materials. This results in both switches producing a pleasing sound that enhances the typing experience, albeit through different materials. By typing on either switch, users might notice that both options deliver a deeper, more muted response, which can be appealing depending on personal preference.
Ultimately, while there are notable distinctions in the materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the fundamental qualities related to sound and feel remain comparable. The effects of each switch's housing material manifest in the overall sound profile and tactile feedback experienced during use. The Cherry MX Black relies on nylon's sound absorption qualities for its signature sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM offers a unique acoustic experience that doesn't stray far from the muted character. Users can expect similar outcomes in terms of auditory feedback and feel when using either switch, exemplifying how different materials can achieve comparable results in certain aspects.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which significantly impacts their user experience. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. While the bottom out force for the Gateron switch is unspecified, it’s reasonable to assume that it would be lower than that of the Cherry MX Black, which adds to the overall weight comparison. Consequently, users seeking a lighter feel may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those desiring more resistance and feedback should opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference highlights the MX Black's more pronounced depth, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a more tactile experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter 3.7 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users who favor quicker responses and a less abrupt pressing motion. Ultimately, if you value a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Black is the better option, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for those seeking a faster and more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Black switches provide a distinct low-pitched tone, characterized by a deep and bass-heavy profile that creates a rich auditory experience while typing. This sound is particularly mellow, allowing for a pleasant acoustic environment. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, is reported to produce a "thocky" sound profile, which suggests a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback when the key is bottomed out. While the exact characteristics of the Sea Salt Smoothie are less documented, it can be inferred that both switches offer satisfying auditory experiences, though with different tonal qualities.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black is known for its textured surface, which can provide a more tactile sensation due to noticeable friction when pressed. This contributes to a sense of control but may not be for everyone, as some users may prefer a smoother experience. Additionally, the MX Black is labeled as a stiff switch, requiring more force to actuate compared to lighter alternatives. The feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie remains somewhat unknown, but given that it falls into the linear switch category, it is likely designed to prioritize smoothness and ease of actuation, which contrasts with the stiffer and more textured MX Black.
Ultimately, both the Cherry MX Black and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches cater to different preferences among typists. While the MX Black offers a more traditional and robust typing experience with its low-pitched sound and textured feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie aims for a high-quality, satisfying auditory feedback with potentially greater smoothness. Choosing between them will largely depend on your priorities for sound and feel, but both switches promise a solid and enjoyable typing experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch will largely depend on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you gravitate towards a heavier switch that requires more force to actuate—ideal for typing with a deliberate touch or for gaming precision—the MX Black is an excellent choice due to its 80-gram bottom-out force, textured feel, and satisfying low-pitched sound profile. This switch balances stiffness with a familiar tactile experience, making it perfect for users who appreciate a more substantial key actuation. On the other hand, if you are looking for something that delivers a smoother typing experience with a more affordable price tag, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the ideal option. Known for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, it appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch while still maintaining high-quality performance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you engage with your keyboard: whether you enjoy the robust control of the MX Black or the effortless glide of the Sea Salt Smoothie, each has its distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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