TTC Neptune vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune 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 TTC Neptune and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Neptune, with its innovative internal structure, delivers an incredibly smooth and almost frictionless experience, making typing feel effortless and fluid. Its ultralight weight paired with a thocky sound signature provides a satisfying auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a heavier typing feel without the strain. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its medium-weight design and exceptional smoothness, offering not only a quality typing experience but also an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. Both switches cater to distinct user needs—those who prefer a light and muted typing experience may gravitate towards the Neptune, while users looking for a balanced feel with rich acoustics might find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing. 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
41g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is evident that both switches incorporate POM for their top housing. This shared material leads to a remarkably similar acoustic profile, characterized by a deeper and more muted sound signature. The nature of POM (Polyoxymethylene) allows for a pleasing sound that many users find desirable, contributing to a smooth typing experience. Consequently, users can expect comparable auditory feedback with both switches when pressed, as POM's distinct properties ensure a consistent sound quality emerging from their top housings.
Conversely, the bottom housings of these switches present a stark contrast in material choice. The Neptune utilizes polycarbonate, known for its rigidity and translucence. This attributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that effectively enhances clarity and resonance during use. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is made of POM, contributing to the same muted and deep sound profile found in its top housing. This disparity plays a crucial role in the overall acoustics of the switches, as the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing will yield a more pronounced bottom-out sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's muted characteristics will blend seamlessly with the deeper tones of its POM materials.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the Neptune and the Sea Salt Smoothie significantly impacts the switches' sound profiles. Users can expect a sharper sound with the Neptune due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, creating a distinct auditory experience when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing emphasizes a consistency in sound that resonates well with the character of its top housing. The combined effects of these materials will yield a unique typing experience, with the Neptune providing clarity and increased resonance while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a warm, muted auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches share similarities in their POM top housings, their bottom materials lead to differing performances that cater to diverse preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see distinct differences in actuation force. The Neptune features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams, making it a more suitable option for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming marathons where comfort is key. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams, indicating a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. However, while the Neptune's bottom out force is 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, making direct comparisons challenging. Overall, for those who enjoy a lighter touch, the Neptune is the better choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie would be favored by individuals who appreciate a more robust key press sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Neptune features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that those who prefer a more responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, given its shorter distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Neptune, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, offering a depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness versus key depth, with the Neptune providing a more pronounced travel experience compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune switch offers a nuanced auditory experience. It features a low-pitched and muted sound, resulting in a thocky profile that is both deep and rich. This means that while the Neptune produces a satisfying "thud" upon actuation, it does so in a manner that minimizes the high-pitched clacking noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also delivers a thocky sound profile, suggesting that users can expect a similar depth and richness in sound. While the specific descriptors for the Sea Salt Smoothie’s sound have not been provided, its promise of exceptional smoothness hints that it may share similar attributes.
In terms of feel, the Neptune is recognized for its innovative internal structure that results in an incredibly smooth typing experience, described as buttery and frictionless. The sensation is akin to typing on a soft, yielding surface, thanks to a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. This makes it not only enjoyable but also efficient for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the subjective feel qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie are unknown, limiting a direct comparison. However, given that it is crafted from medium-weight POM material, it is likely to offer a satisfying typing experience as well.
In conclusion, both the TTC Neptune and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches present an appealing auditory profile with thocky sound signatures that ensure a satisfying feedback during use. The Neptune excels in offering a unique feel, characterized by smoothness and a gummy kind of resistance, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's specific tactile information remains elusive. Despite this, it’s reasonable to expect that the quality of the Sea Salt Smoothie will keep pace with the Neptune's exceptional qualities. Together, they represent great choices for anyone looking to explore linear switches, with the Neptune being particularly suited for those who value a refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you favor an ultralight switch that offers a unique typing experience characterized by a buttery, frictionless glide and a subtle thocky sound, the Neptune is an excellent choice. Its design allows for swift and effortless typing, making it ideal for fast typists or those who enjoy a softer and more muted acoustic atmosphere. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a medium-weight switch that combines exceptional smoothness with a satisfying thocky sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more up your alley. This switch balances quality and value, proving to be a great option for anyone who appreciates a classic thocky feel without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, consider what type of experience you desire—whether you seek the light, cushy feel of the Neptune or the solid, robust typing of the Sea Salt Smoothie—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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