Outemu Black vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often come to mind: the Outemu Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Outemu Black, celebrated for its reliable performance, offers a traditional linear switch experience with a direct and consistent keystroke feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a refreshing alternative, known for its medium weight and unique all-POM construction that guarantees both durability and a remarkably smooth typing experience. Its signature "thocky" sound adds an auditory pleasure, which many typists and casual users alike find appealing. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they provide distinctly different tactile and auditory experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences emerge, particularly with regard to their top housings. The Outemu Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing it to generate a more resonant and clear auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie uses a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a sound that is notably deeper and more muted, offering a unique auditory signature. The disparity in material composition illustrates how one can achieve distinct acoustic profiles depending on the choice of housing, which will resonate differently when combined with other switch components.
Delving into the bottom housings, both switches again employ different materials, which further influences the overall sound experience. The Outemu Black incorporates nylon, traditionally favored for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller, duller sound profile that lends warmth to keystrokes. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, noted for creating an appealing sound that is deep and muted. While POM presents a consistent tonal characteristic across both top and bottom housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie, the nylon used in the Black integrates traditionally softer qualities. The variation in the bottom housing material thus has a significant impact on the typing feel and sound, influencing the bottom-out experience encountered by users.
Ultimately, the combined effects of different housing materials allow for distinct auditory and tactile experiences within each switch model. The Outemu Black, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, will articulate a sharper sound upon release while providing a deeper feel during keystrokes. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with POM materials in both the top and bottom, delivers a more uniform, muted sound profile that resonates in a deep manner throughout the typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches can fulfill particular sound and feel preferences in a keyboard setup, ultimately leading to desirable outcomes based on individual sensory tastes.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Black switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 65 grams, alongside a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a solid choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch features a lighter actuation force of just 48 grams, catering to those who favor less resistance, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unspecified, limiting a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, for those who desire a lighter switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the evident choice, while the Outemu Black will appeal to users looking for a heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Outemu Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Black switch offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and overall depth. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you value a more substantial press, the Outemu Black would be the better choice, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be ideal for those who prefer a snappier keypress.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Black switches remain relatively quiet, which is typical of many linear switches. They do not produce prominent auditory feedback during typing, making them a suitable choice for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a notable thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. This thocky characteristic gives it a distinct personality that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound without the noise of clicky switches.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black switches are recognized for their smooth operation, allowing for a consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps. This characteristic appeals to users who prefer a minimalistic feel and are inclined to perform rapid keypresses. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, being a medium-weight switch, also emphasizes smoothness but takes it a step further by integrating a design that fosters exceptional fluidity in typing. Its medium weight strikes a balance between comfort and control, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy a bit of resistance in their keystrokes while still seeking a seamless experience.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Black and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer smooth linear action, their sound profiles distinctly set them apart. The Black is quietly reserved, catering to those who prefer discretion, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a richer auditory experience with its thocky sound. Typing on either switch will yield a satisfying experience, but your choice might ultimately depend on whether you value auditory feedback or prefer a more muted approach.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch that requires more significant force to actuate, which can provide a sensation of control during intense gaming or typing sessions, then the Outemu Black is the way to go. Its heavier actuation force of 82 grams will deliver a distinctly tactile experience that may help reduce accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a switch that balances smoothness and sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. It offers a smoother feel and produces a thocky sound profile that can enhance your typing experience without being too loud or intrusive. The quality of the Sea Salt Smoothie, combined with its medium weight, makes it a versatile option, suitable for both casual typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value heft and control or smoothness and pleasant acoustic feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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