Cherry MX Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches is crucial in shaping your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Red is celebrated for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience characterized by its thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel, which many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight, all-POM design that not only breaks the price barrier but also maintains a top-tier quality typical of Gateron products. It boasts a thocky sound profile along with exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke. Each switch presents distinct advantages: the Cherry MX Red for those who appreciate a more traditional, weighted tactile response, and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie for users seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of housing materials, with each using distinct plastics that impart unique sound profiles to their performance. The Cherry MX Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its sound-dampening qualities. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a typing experience that is both rich and round. This characteristic makes it particularly favored among users who appreciate a more immersive auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, resulting in a sound that is also deep but can be perceived as more muted compared to nylon. This difference illustrates how the material choice can significantly shape the overall typing experience.
When comparing the impacts of the two housing materials, it's essential to note that the nylon of the Cherry MX Red excels in creating a sound profile characterized by a solid and cushioned feel, while the POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie yields a unique sound that is less aggressive yet still satisfying. Both types contribute to a deeper auditory response, but they differ in delivery—nylon tends more toward a saturated sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities, whereas POM’s acoustics are subtly refined and can feel smoother during usage. For users evaluating which switch might suit their preferences, understanding these nuanced differences can provide valuable insight into what auditory experience they might seek from their keyboard.
In practical terms, while the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's housing materials differ, the result is surprisingly similar concerning the overall sound during key presses. Despite the distinctions—in that one switch utilizes nylon and the other POM—the deeper sound profile achieved by both suggests that users can anticipate a satisfying experience regardless of their selection. This shared characteristic means that typists may find them equally enjoyable if they value the fuller acoustic feedback during both key presses and releases. In this respect, both switches can create an engaging typing atmosphere, appealing to those who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboard experiences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, reflecting varied preferences for typing and gaming experiences. The MX Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a marginally heavier actuation force of 48 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback while typing. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which limits a direct comparison in that regard. However, since the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly greater actuation force, it can be classified as the heavier option, while the Cherry MX Red is the lighter choice, appealing to those who seek comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Cherry MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Cherry MX Red switch provides a deeper keypress, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, making it feel more abrupt during use. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the Cherry MX Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch is well-regarded for its thocky and low-pitched auditory profile, creating a satisfying, deep thud with each keystroke. This gives the typing experience an enjoyable resonance that many users find fulfilling. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate a solid auditory feedback while typing, providing a more immersive engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the specifics of the sound produced by the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are not provided, but there is an emphasis on smoothness, which suggests it may have a different auditory quality, potentially leaning toward a less pronounced sound. However, the sound experience can be significantly influenced by other factors like the keyboard's design and the type of keycaps used, so the difference might not be as stark in practice.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is characterized by a textured sensation, offering noticeable friction during key presses. This adds a layer of tactile feedback that some users appreciate, as it contributes to the overall typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie's feel is not detailed, leaving its smoothness and tactile qualities unknown. However, given the name "Smoothie" suggests a focus on a smooth typing experience, it can be inferred that it aims to provide a frictionless actuation compared to the more textured feel of the MX Red.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present different characteristics in sound and feel that cater to varied typing preferences. The MX Red stands out for its thocky sound and textured feel, providing a robust typing experience. Meanwhile, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s sound remains unspecified, its name suggests a smooth interaction that could appeal to users seeking a softer, more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, if your focus is on auditory depth and a tactile feel, the MX Red may be preferable, while the Sea Salt Smoothie could be an excellent choice for those prioritizing a fluid typing experience, even with its unknown specifics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches ultimately depends on your preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a classic experience that combines a slightly heftier feel with a deeper, richer sound profile, the Cherry MX Red should be your go-to option. Its thocky, low-pitched sound makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing, adding a pleasing layer to your keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience without the price premium, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent alternative. Its medium-weight characteristics and smooth operation make it ideal for users who prefer a more fluid keystroke without the distraction of textured feedback. Thus, if you're primarily gaming, you might lean towards the MX Red for its responsiveness, but for extended typing sessions or casual use, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a comfortable and enjoyable option. Ultimately, consider what features matter most to you and how you plan to use your keyboard to make the best choice.
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