Outemu Cream Pink vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Pink and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Cream Pink stands out with its smooth linear feel, providing a satisfying typing experience that appeals to gamers and typists alike looking for rapid keypresses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight design and exceptional smoothness, delivering a delightful thocky sound profile perfect for those who appreciate an auditory cue with their keystrokes. While both switches share a linear category that facilitates swift movement, the Cream Pink offers a slightly lighter feel, making it ideal for quick, repetitive actions, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie strikes a balance between weight and sound, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink switches and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, we find that they utilize different materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Cream Pink switches are constructed with nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classic material is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its softer composition. This characteristic results in a sound that is not only duller but also rounder, which adds a comforting auditory dimension to each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie switches employ POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings. POM is celebrated for producing a unique sound profile that leans towards deep and muted tones, providing a distinct auditory experience that contrasts with the creaminess of the Cream Pink switches.
While the Cream Pink and Sea Salt Smoothie switches differ in their material composition, both achieve similar results in sound profile characteristics. Each switch creates a deeper and more muted auditory experience when activated. The softer nylon material of the Cream Pink facilitates sound absorption, generating a softer bottom-out sound as well as a gentle release sound. Conversely, the POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie, despite being a harder plastic, still manages to maintain a muted sound profile. The unique acoustic qualities of POM, along with its precision manufacturing, contribute to a fulfilling typing experience, albeit in a different auditory package compared to the Cream Pink.
Interestingly, even though the materials differ, the result is an engaging typing experience for both switches. The Cream Pink's nylon contributes to the sound and feel of the bottom-out, while the softness enhances the feel when releasing, resulting in a well-rounded performance. In the case of the Sea Salt Smoothie, the POM housing provides a unique take on the muted sound profile, ensuring that each keystroke is still satisfying, albeit in a distinctively different manner. Therefore, users can expect an enjoyable typing experience from both switches despite their differing housing materials, emphasizing the diverse yet complementary nature of mechanical keyboard designs.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences are observed in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The Cream Pink switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the lighter 48 grams needed for the Sea Salt Smoothie. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie preferable for users who favor a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Pink’s 50-gram actuation lends a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Without specified bottom out force data for the Sea Salt Smoothie, it's difficult to make a direct comparison beyond actuation forces, but the Cream Pink reaches a bottom out force of 65 grams. If both switches were to have comparable bottom out characteristics, users could expect similar experiences in terms of typing engagement beyond the initial keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cream Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a more traditional depth, the Cream Pink is the better choice, offering a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users who prefer quick, responsive keystrokes for faster reaction times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; those who appreciate a deeper feel may gravitate towards the Cream Pink, while those favoring quick, shallow presses may opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Cream Pink 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
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is known for its quiet operation, which makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While specific sound characteristics aren't detailed, linear switches typically produce minimal auditory feedback compared to tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its "thocky" sound profile, providing a deeper, more resonant auditory experience when typing. This thocky quality can enhance the overall typing experience, giving each keystroke a satisfying acoustic response, though both switches’ sound output will vary depending on the keyboard they are paired with and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cream Pink switches likely offer a smooth and linear experience, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps. This means that the typing experience will be consistent and fluid, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also emphasizes exceptional smoothness in its operation, paired with a medium weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and control. This combined smoothness and weight can enhance typing accuracy and comfort over extended periods, making it a reliable option for serious typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cream Pink and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. The Cream Pink is quieter and emphasizes a smooth, linear feel, ideal for those who prioritize stealth and seamless keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound profile and smooth performance, providing an audible and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, while the two switches differ in sound, they both share a commitment to smoothness, making them excellent choices within the linear category for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and overall feel. If you appreciate a firmer typing experience, the Cream Pink, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, may be the better choice for you. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, which can help reduce accidental key presses. However, if you prioritize a smoother experience and a more muted, thocky sound with a gentle tactile feedback, then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be more aligned with your needs. This switch excels in delivering a satisfying acoustic profile without being overly noisy, making it ideal for quieter environments or shared spaces. Keep in mind the Cream Pink offers a distinct weightier feel that promotes accuracy, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed for those who appreciate glide and smoothness in their key presses. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment when making your decision—both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring you have a pleasurable typing experience whichever you choose.
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