Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 noteworthy contenders are the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, each offering distinct characteristics suitable for different user preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Purple, a tactile switch, is designed for those who enjoy the satisfying feedback of a noticeable bump with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists seeking precision and a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, excels in delivering an incredibly smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, ideal for gamers who prioritize rapid key presses and fluid motion. While the Dustproof Purple is perfect for users who appreciate tactile feedback and are looking for a more visceral typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie impresses with its smoothness and a distinctive "thocky" sound profile. 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
55g
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
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
The comparison between the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie reveals interesting contrasts in their housing materials, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties that result in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a clear and resonant audio feedback, especially advantageous when using RGB lighting due to the material’s translucence. In stark contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM top housing, which provides a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the POM material creates a unique listening experience, it lacks the heightened sharpness characteristic of polycarbonate, suggesting that users seeking bright soundscapes may prefer the Dustproof Purple.
Examining the bottom housing of these switches, we find yet another layer of contrast, reinforcing the unique sound profiles of each switch as a whole. The Dustproof Purple utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material recognized for its ability to absorb sound, thereby producing a fuller and deeper sound profile. This contrasts with the Sea Salt Smoothie, which also employs POM for its bottom housing, echoing the deeper and more muted audio characteristics that the top housing provides. Thus, while the Dustproof Purple results in a deeper sound facilitated by a softer nylon, the Sea Salt Smoothie remains consistent in its muted sound profile due to the properties of POM in both top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, the blend of materials accelerates the switch's auditory experience and tactile feedback. With the Dustproof Purple's combo of polycarbonate and nylon, users benefit from a clear release sound paired with a deep bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's dual POM composition ensures that its auditory profile remains consistent, producing a deeper, mellower response throughout its actuation cycle. For users who value a harmonious and muted sound experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal, while those looking for sharpness and clarity may gravitate towards the Dustproof Purple. Both switches offer unique qualities, yet their distinctive and effective sound profiles reflect the contrasting nature of their construction materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch with its actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams and an unknown bottom out force, we can see notable differences in typing feel. The Dustproof Purple is the heavier of the two, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, which can be advantageous during long sessions at work or gaming where deliberate key presses are desired. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its lighter actuation force of 48 grams, caters to those who favor ease of typing, allowing for longer usage without fatigue. Since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unavailable, it leaves a question about how it feels upon fully pressing the key. Despite the unknowns, the distinct actuation forces highlight the preferences: users might choose the Dustproof Purple for weight and feedback while opting for the Sea Salt Smoothie for a lighter and potentially faster experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Dustproof Purple offers a more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, caters to users who might prioritize responsiveness, making it a better choice for gamers who favor quicker key presses and faster response times. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, if you lean towards a hearty depth, the Dustproof Purple would be the apt choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for those who prefer a snappier feel.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 Dustproof Purple switch does not have a clearly defined audio profile based on the provided information, making it difficult to evaluate its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is known for its thocky sound profile. This pleasing auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, giving users a satisfying auditory confirmation with each keystroke. It's important to note that the overall sound can still vary depending on the keyboard’s board material and the type of keycaps used, but the Sea Salt Smoothie has a more defined sound quality.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its tactile feedback or pressing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its exceptional smoothness, which indicates a very pleasant typing sensation without any scratchiness. This smooth action can be particularly appealing to those who spend long hours typing or gaming, as it minimizes fatigue and enhances overall performance. Without defined characteristics for the Dustproof Purple, it's harder to make direct comparisons, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness stands out.
Overall, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple lacks specific sound and feel characteristics in the information provided, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound and a notably smooth typing experience. For someone looking to explore tactile and linear switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie presents a clearer advantage in both sound and feel. If the Dustproof Purple were to have similar qualities, these characteristics would resonate with users who appreciate a tactile response and sound profile, but the lack of information leaves a gap in effectively comparing the two switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it’s important to consider your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feel in your keystrokes and appreciate a heavier actuation with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Purple may be the ideal choice for you. It provides a satisfying bump that can enhance your typing experience, especially during more deliberate tasks like coding or writing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth and quiet typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without interruption, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be your go-to option. This linear switch excels in providing a silky smooth feel, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing environments where you want minimal resistance and noise. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a tactile bump for feedback or a smooth and seamless action for fluidity.
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