Outemu Green vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green 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 Green and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct characteristics that can significantly influence your typing experience. The Outemu Green is known for its clicky feedback, providing tactile and auditory confirmation with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy clear, decisive feedback while they type. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its smooth, linear action, delivering a soft and silent experience that many gamers and casual users prefer for fast-paced gaming or typing without distractions. While the Green switch is perfect for those who appreciate a lively, engaging typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users seeking a more subtle approach with its rich, thocky sound profile and effortless keypresses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Green and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, there are distinct differences in the top housing compositions. The Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity allows the switch to produce a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly ideal for RGB enthusiasts due to its translucency. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which results in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. While both materials serve to direct how sound is expressed through the switch, the acoustics and aesthetics diverge considerably; the polycarbonate offers clarity and brightness, while the POM provides a more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Outemu Green employs nylon, a classic material that produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively. This quality gives the Green switch a rounder sound that is characteristic of many traditional switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also features a POM bottom housing, mirroring the unique muted sound profile exhibited by its top housing. Although POM is known for its distinct sound characteristics, the use of nylon in the Green switch offers a contrasting experience; thus, users can anticipate a different tactile response and auditory feedback when comparing switches from each brand.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Outemu Green and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie creates differentiated sound profiles and tactile experiences for users. While both switch types may deliver satisfying typing experiences, the Outemu Green’s distinct polycarbonate and nylon housing results in sharper and rounder sounds, respectively. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM top and bottom housings work together to produce a more muted and deeper sound. If someone seeks to achieve more balanced auditory results, they could consider switches with similar material combinations. However, for those who prize clarity and depth distinctly, these two options demonstrate how variations in housing materials substantially shape the overall characteristics of the switches.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch showcase distinct differences in their actuation forces, catering to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The Green switch has a substantial actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a robust typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a much lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which can lead to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unavailable, leaving uncertainty about its response upon full keystroke engagement. Overall, those who appreciate a lighter switch will likely lean towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while users favoring a stronger push feel should opt for the Outemu Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the distinctions become clear. The Outemu Green boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the traditional standard for mechanical switches. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference signifies that the Green switch provides a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, offering a more immediate activation. Therefore, if you value a deeper tactile feedback, the Outemu Green is the preferable choice, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may suit 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 Green 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 Green clicky switch has a distinctively sharp and pronounced acoustic profile typical of clicky switches, delivering a satisfying, audible click that can be appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound, which is deeper and less sharp, creating a sound profile that is less intrusive and often favored for quieter environments. The specific acoustic characteristics of each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the materials used for keycaps, but generally, those looking for a pronounced click will prefer the Green, while others may gravitate toward the softer thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green offers a tactile bump along with its click, providing a pronounced engagement point that many typists find satisfying. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to deliver an exceptionally smooth keystroke without any tactile interruption, making it ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience and are looking to avoid finger fatigue. The contrasting tactile characteristics—between the pronounced click of the Green and the smooth action of the Sea Salt Smoothie—heighten the personal preference factor in choosing a switch.
In summary, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present different auditory and tactile experiences. The Green excels in delivering a sharp click and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy noticeable keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth and deeper thock while prioritizing silent performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one values pronounced feedback and sound or seeks a quieter, smoother typing experience. Your decision will significantly influence your typing enjoyment and productivity, allowing you to customize your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound feedback. If you enjoy a tactile and audible click with a heavier bottom-out force, the Outemu Green is an excellent choice, particularly if you like the sensation of a robust keypress that is well-suited for typing. This switch caters to those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical feel that can enhance accuracy in typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that’s great for both work and gaming, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will likely be your better fit. Known for its thocky sound profile and impressive smoothness due to its all-POM construction, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a pleasant and satisfying experience without the weight and noise of clicky switches. Each switch caters to distinct typing preferences, so consider your workspace environment and what you find most comfortable when making your decision.
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