Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Outemu Dustproof Red is designed to provide a straightforward typing experience, offering reliability and ease of use, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a consistent keystroke without tactile feedback or noise. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and all-POM construction, delivering a famously smooth keystroke paired with a satisfying thocky sound profile. While the Smoothie combines affordability with premium features, the Dustproof Red may appeal to those prioritizing simplicity and durability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The Dustproof Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile that lends itself well to RGB lighting. This clear housing allows for a vibrant illumination, enhancing both the aesthetic and auditory experience when using the switch. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM top housing, characterized by its ability to produce a more muted and deeper sound. This difference in material leads to contrasting auditory experiences, with the Dustproof Red emphasizing brightness and clarity, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a softer, rounder tone.

The bottom housing materials of these switches further accentuate the differences in their sound profiles. The Dustproof Red features a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer plastic composition that tends to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, which also aims for a muted sound but has its own unique auditory qualities. The similarities lie in the emphasis on achieving a pleasing audio experience; both switches strive for a satisfying tactile response, yet the Dustproof Red leans toward a more pronounced thump due to the nylon's sound-absorbing nature, while the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie may deliver a unique, albeit more subtle resonance.

Overall, the interaction of the materials in each switch illustrates a balance between the top and bottom housings that defines the overall sound profile and tactile feel. If you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with a sharper impact, the Outemu Dustproof Red provides a versatile experience through its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper, more muted sound that is still pleasurable, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its POM housing for both the top and bottom, would deliver a unique acoustic experience. By selecting switches with varying top and bottom materials, enthusiasts can intentionally shape their typing experience, accommodating their preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see some interesting differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Dustproof Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who prefer softer keystrokes for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, implying a more substantial push feel that some typists and gamers might appreciate for tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is currently unavailable, which leaves some uncertainty in its overall performance compared to the 60 grams bottom out force of the Dustproof Red. Therefore, while users of the Outemu might find a consistent experience in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s bottom out characteristics remain unknown, making direct comparisons limited. Those who prefer lighter switches would gravitate towards the Dustproof Red, while those seeking a heftier actuation might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, pending more information on its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a notable difference in travel distance is evident. The Dustproof Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that pressing down on the Outemu switch yields a more pronounced depth, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more robust feel in their typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, prioritizes responsiveness, appealing to gamers seeking quicker reaction times. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that offers a more hearty depth, the Dustproof Red would be the better choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who favor speed and efficiency in strikes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has an unclear profile as it lacks a specific well-known characteristic. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its thocky sound profile, which adds a layer of auditory satisfaction when typing. This clearer sound signature can enhance the overall typing experience, making each keystroke gratifying. It’s important to remember that the sound of a switch can also fluctuate based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used, but the inherent qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie set it apart in this regard.

Turning to the tactile feel of these switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red doesn't have a definitive description available, leaving its tactile experience open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for delivering exceptional smoothness, which provides a pleasing and fluid typing experience. This smoothness can make a significant difference in long typing sessions, reducing strain and improving overall comfort. Although we lack specifics on the Dustproof Red's feel, users may find that smoothness in linear switches is a common expectation, leading to a similar typing experience in that respect.

In summary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie clearly distinguishes itself with a thocky sound and superior smoothness, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a top-notch linear switch. While the Outemu Dustproof Red may not have widely recognized qualities to draw on for comparison, you can expect that linear switches generally aim to provide a smooth typing experience. If you are leaning towards a more vibrant auditory profile and a fluid tactile response, the Sea Salt Smoothie would likely serve you better, while the Dustproof Red remains an intriguing enigma worth exploring.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a medium-force switch that provides a consistent feel while typing, the Dustproof Red may be your ideal choice, especially if you’re looking for something versatile enough for both gaming and typing. Its reliability in various environments could be beneficial if you frequently encounter dust or debris. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that prioritizes smoothness and a pleasant acoustic experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the way to go. Its thocky sound profile and smooth actuation are especially appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback and fluid keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by what you value most in your keyboard experience—whether that’s a dependable, firm pressing action or a silky-smooth typing sensation paired with engaging sound.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more