Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two prominent options stand out: the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Cherry MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety, offering a gentle tactile experience that makes them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate feedback without being overwhelmed by noise; characterized by a textured feel and low-pitched, bassy sound, they excel in environments where quiet operation is preferred. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a compelling proposition for users seeking a linear switch. This medium-weight all-POM switch provides a luxurious smoothness and a satisfying thocky sound profile, balancing performance and affordability without compromising on quality. While both options cater to different typing preferences—tactile versus linear—the choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$4.00 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown switches and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, it’s essential to highlight the fundamental differences in the materials used: nylon for the MX Brown and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Both nylon and POM (Polyoxymethylene) are known for their beneficial sound-dampening properties, though they achieve this in different ways. The MX Brown’s nylon construction tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing, while still deep and muted in sound, is noted for delivering a distinct and pleasing auditory experience that differentiates it from nylon. Thus, while both switches offer a more muted sound, the MX Brown excels in warmth and richness, while the Gateron variant provides a unique auditory character.

The impact of housing materials on the overall feel and performance of the switches extends to both the top and bottom housings. The MX Brown, with its nylon top and bottom, results in a consistently plush typing experience, as both components favor sound absorption and softness. This design ensures that both pressing and releasing the keys produce a duller, rounder sound. However, in the case of the Sea Salt Smoothie, the POM material in both the top and bottom may provide a more crisp tactile sensation while still maintaining a deeper sound profile. The top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie thus contributes a certain clarity to the sound on release, giving it a slightly different character compared to the MX Brown.

Ultimately, while the differences in materials lead to distinct auditory signatures and tactile sensations between the two switches, enthusiasts may experience similar types of results when considering sound quality alone—provided they are aware of how each switch's materials affect feel and sound. An MX Brown user might find satisfaction in the plush sound and feel reminiscent of the softer tones often cultivated by POM housings, while a Sea Salt Smoothie user might relish the nuanced feedback and unique sound properties imparted by the POM material. Both switches present a choice that caters to different preferences, enabling users to select based on their desired typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category, which many users find suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams, indicating it requires a bit more pressure to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is currently unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. If we assume the bottom out force is similar to its actuation force, users might experience a similar feedback to the MX Brown when pressed fully. Overall, the Cherry MX Brown is lighter than the Sea Salt Smoothie in terms of actuation force, which could be more appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel while typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Cherry MX Brown is the longer travel option, which might be more suitable for those who enjoy a sturdier feedback during usage. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you value depth and tactility over speed and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches deliver a subtly bassy and low-pitched audio profile that many users find reassuring and non-intrusive. The sound produced during typing is characterized by a deeper resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming others nearby. Meanwhile, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also focuses on a rich acoustic experience, it is particularly noted for its "thocky" sound, which is often described as deeper and punchier, which could appeal to users seeking a more pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. However, it's essential to remember that the sound quality of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches are recognized for their gentle tactility, offering a noticeable tactile bump without being too aggressive. This textured experience can introduce a bit of friction during key presses, providing a satisfying sensation that many typists appreciate while still allowing for a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is praised for its exceptional smoothness, which is often a highly sought-after attribute among users who prefer a linear switch. Although there may not be a tactile feedback in the same way that the MX Brown provides, the absence of friction can lead to a rapid, effortless typing experience that many find satisfying.

In summary, while both the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches cater to distinct preferences, they are well-regarded for their unique qualities. The MX Brown’s bassy and low-pitched sound combined with a tactile feel delivers a balanced option for those who enjoy feedback during typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound and a smooth linear experience that appeals to users seeking an effortless action. Choosing between them ultimately boils down to whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother keypress, but both switches promise engaging typing experiences tailored to different user preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile feedback with a subtle bump that helps you feel each key press, the MX Brown is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force makes it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, while its bassy, low-pitched sound profile creates a pleasing auditory experience without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter feel without tactile feedback, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch will suit you well. Its smooth operation can enhance your typing speed and efficiency, providing a luxurious typing experience paired with a rich thocky sound that many users find enjoyable. In essence, choose the MX Brown if you value a tactile experience with audio depth, and opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie if you desire seamless key presses paired with a satisfying sound.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

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Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more