Outemu Peach (V3) vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach (V3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options, and two noteworthy contenders are the Outemu Peach and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Outemu Peach stands out for its incredibly lightweight and silenced design, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a feather-light typing experience that is both neutral and subtly polished. This switch is perfect for linear lovers who appreciate a muted feel without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight all-POM construction, bringing a delightful "thocky" sound profile and unparalleled smoothness to the table. While the Peach caters to users seeking a quiet and delicate experience, the Smoothie is an enticing option for those who prefer a bit more heft and auditory feedback without compromising on quality. 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Peach switches and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, one can observe notable differences in the types of plastics used. The Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, characterized by its softer plastic composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a richer auditory experience when typing. On the contrary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing. POM is known for its durability and provides a unique sound profile that leans toward being muted yet still deep. While both types of housing promote low-frequency sounds, the specific auditory characteristics differ due to the inherent properties of the materials used.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the switch's overall performance, the nylon of the Outemu Peach solidifies its reputation as a classic choice for those seeking a warmer sound profile. Conversely, the POM material employed in the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a distinct auditory experience while being more durable. The sound signature produced by the Peach is influenced heavily by its nylon construction, as the material’s ability to dampen sound waves results in a duller and rounder sound. The Sea Salt Smoothie, meanwhile, offers a similarly pleasing and deep sound but achieves it through its unique POM properties, which lend a different texture to the keystrokes while still maintaining the overall muted quality.
Despite the differences in materials, the two switch types can yield comparable results in terms of sound depth and overall typing experience. Since both the Outemu Peach and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches exhibit traits that emphasize low-frequency responses, users can expect to enjoy a typing experience that feels plush and satisfying. If one were to utilize these switches interchangeably, the tactile gratification could remain consistent, despite varying sound profiles, leading to somewhat similar results for users who are accustomed to either switch type. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and POM can come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics and durability, but both offerings can deliver fulfilling typing experiences.
Weight
The Outemu Peach linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Peach being lighter at 40 grams compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's 48 grams. This means that the Peach may be more suitable for users who prefer longer typing sessions or gaming, as its lower force can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its heavier actuation force, might appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel during their typing experience. When it comes to bottom-out force, the Peach has a defined value of 50 grams, while the bottom-out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. This uncertainty could impact user preference, particularly for those sensitive to the bottom-out experience. Overall, if someone seeks a lighter touch for prolonged use, the Outemu Peach would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who favor a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Peach switch provides a shorter overall travel distance, catering to those who favor a snappier, more responsive feel, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker keypresses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress, creating a deeper typing experience. Thus, the Peach is more suited for those who prefer rapid response times, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a traditional feel with more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding key travel and tactility.
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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Peach linear switch is characterized by a neutral and muted profile, providing a moderate sound that makes it versatile for both home and office environments. This allows for a more subdued typing experience, reducing the clack often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, which can provide a richer auditory feedback while still maintaining a smooth operation. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound characteristics are designed to offer a more pronounced acoustic experience, it's essential to note that individual preferences for sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard assembly and keycap choices used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Peach switches shine with their mild, subtle, and polished characteristics. This combination results in a smooth, light typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or shared workspaces. The smooth action reduces friction, further enhancing user comfort. In comparison, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch remains unspecified in the provided details, making it hard to draw direct comparisons in this regard. However, typical qualities of Gateron switches suggest a generally smooth action, which could parallel the polished feel of the Peach.
In summary, the Outemu Peach linear switch offers a lightweight, muted sound and a polished, gentle feel suitable for those prioritizing a quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to provide a more articulated thocky sound and is likely to maintain a quality feel, though specifics are unknown. Both types cater to distinct preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts; the Peach is perfect for those seeking stealth and ease, while the Sea Salt Smoothie might appeal to users who enjoy pronounced sound while typing. Ultimately, your selection may depend on whether you prioritize acoustic dampening or a fuller auditory experience during your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Peach linear switch or the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it’s essential to reflect on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight switch that offers a muted, subtle typing experience, the Outemu Peach might be your best bet. Its gentle keystroke and polished feel make it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, especially in shared environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you’re more inclined toward a medium-weight switch that provides a satisfying thocky sound profile along with exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the switch for you. This switch may appeal to those who appreciate a slightly more tactile feedback while typing and desire a quality feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a feather-light touch or a more robust typing experience.
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