Cherry MX Orange vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options that cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange switch stands out for its heritage, having been reissued with notable enhancements from the original MX Orange switches produced by Cherry's Japanese partner Hirose. Users appreciate its consistent keystroke and reliability, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a smooth, linear feel without the concern of added tactile bump or noise. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a compelling alternative with its medium-weight design, crafted from all-POM materials that aim to deliver durability and an exceptional thocky sound profile that many typists adore. This switch breaks the traditional price barrier without sacrificing performance, attracting budget-conscious gamers and typists alike. While both switches present appealing features suited to different user preferences, it’s essential to dive deeper beyond these generalities to ensure you choose the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize different housing materials, which influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Orange features a top and bottom housing made of nylon, a classic material prized for its acoustic properties. Nylon’s softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a deeper, fuller sound that feels muted and round to the typist. This quality makes the MX Orange a great option for those who prefer a richer auditory feedback while typing, as both housings contribute equally to the overall sound profile.

In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, offering a distinct yet similarly muted sound experience. POM is known for its smoothness and resilience, providing a unique auditory character that is also deep and relatively subdued. While both switches aim for a focused sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing brings a different tactile sensation to the typing experience, which some users might find preferable when compared to the softer nature of nylon.

Despite the differences in material, the results in sound production can be surprisingly similar between the two switches. Each switch's construction reflects how its materials affect the sound output; therefore, both housings—whether nylon or POM—contribute critical qualities that shape the switch’s overall auditory and tactile feedback. For instance, the bottom-out sound will be influenced more heavily by the bottom housing material, while the release sound will hinge on the top housing. Consequently, users can expect a deeply satisfying sound experience from both switches, albeit produced through different acoustic characteristics inherent in nylon and POM.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we can observe noticeable differences in their actuation forces, despite both having unknown bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it a more substantial choice for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which may be more suitable for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Although both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, the difference in actuation force indicates that users who favor a lighter touch may find the Sea Salt Smoothie advantageous, while those who appreciate a stronger feedback will likely prefer the Cherry MX Orange.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Cherry MX Orange comes in at 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial and deeper typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the better choice, while those who appreciate a more traditional depth may opt for the Cherry MX Orange.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is moderately muted, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for both office environments and quieter settings. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which delivers a more resonant acoustic experience that stands out during typing. Both switches can produce different sound levels based on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, so while the Gateron offers a distinctive auditory feedback, the MX Orange leans towards a subtler, less intrusive sound.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch provides a smooth and linear response, making it effortless to type quickly without any tactile bump, which can be ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a fluid key press. Similarly, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch also boasts exceptional smoothness, resulting in a satisfying and uninterrupted typing experience. This similarity in feel means both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and seamless typing experience, making either choice suitable for those who favor linear switches.

In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Orange offers a more subdued sound profile alongside a smooth linear feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a thocky auditory experience with a similarly smooth actuation. If you seek a quieter typing experience, the MX Orange is a solid choice, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced sound with the same smoothness in feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be your go-to option. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent performance, ensuring you'll have a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Orange linear switch or the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it’s essential to reflect on your preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a switch that carries the legacy of the original MX Orange with enhancements and delivers a satisfying tactile experience, the Cherry MX Orange may be the right choice for you; it tends to offer a classic feel and sound profile that many typists and gamers enjoy. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable switch that does not compromise on quality while delivering a smooth typing experience with a rich thocky sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be advantageous. Its medium-weight design makes it versatile for both typing and gaming, offering a satisfying feel without breaking the bank. Therefore, your choice should align with whether you value historical craftsmanship and enhanced tactile feedback or seek value while prioritizing smoothness and sound quality in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more