Outemu Purple vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option. The Outemu Purple switch, known for its tactile feedback, caters to those who enjoy a pronounced bump during key presses, making it ideal for typists and gamers alike who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a linear experience characterized by its smooth action and medium weight, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke without any tactile resistance. While the Purple may enhance the typing experience with its tactile response, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in providing an ultra-smooth performance alongside a satisfying thocky sound profile, all while breaking the price barrier without compromising quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Outemu Purple Tactile

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, we first look at the top housing components. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper and more pronounced sound profile. This resonant quality allows the switch to perform exceptionally well with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucence enhances visual aesthetics. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM top housing, noted for generating a deeper, more muted sound. While the two materials serve different acoustic purposes, the choice of top housing directly influences how the switch sounds upon release, with polycarbonate offering a crisper note and POM providing a warmer tone.

Moving to the bottom housings, we find a more common thread between the two switches. The Outemu Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, thus creating a fuller, rounder audio experience. In parallel, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing also consists of POM, which, like nylon, contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Although the materials differ, both achieve a similar outcome in terms of sound dampening; they tend to soften the auditory feedback when pressing down on the switch, making typing less jarring and more pleasant. The overall acoustic experience will therefore feel somewhat cohesive, even if the individual properties of the materials diverge.

Ultimately, the combination of the different housing materials leads to a nuanced typing experience in both switch types. For instance, while the Outemu Purple’s polycarbonate top accentuates the high frequencies upon release, the softening effect of its nylon bottom balances it with deeper tones. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its POM top and bottom, leans towards a consistent and muted quality in sound without the sharper highs present in polycarbonate. This combination means that both switches can deliver satisfying auditory and tactile feedback; however, users seeking a distinct characterization will gravitate toward the individual qualities that each material brings to the table.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the actuation forces are relatively close, with the Purple requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that users of the Sea Salt Smoothie may experience a marginally easier keystroke, potentially making it more suitable for those looking for a less strenuous typing experience during long sessions. However, both switches lack specific data regarding their bottom out forces, making it difficult to assess how they perform when pressed fully down. Without this information, we can only emphasize that the Outemu Purple is the heavier option based on their actuation forces alone, offering a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for robust typing feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a notable difference arises: the Outemu Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This means the Outemu Purple offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users appreciate for its hearty depth. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who prefer a quicker response, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who seek fast actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more tactile and deeper pressing experience might lean towards the Outemu Purple.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the distinction becomes apparent. The Purple's sound profile hasn't been specified, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat of a mystery. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its "thocky" sound, which delivers a satisfying acoustic feedback that many typists and gamers find appealing. This richer, fuller sound can be further influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, allowing users to tailor their typing experience.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a defined description, making it challenging to gauge its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its exceptional smoothness paired with a medium-weight actuation. This makes it ideal for users seeking a fluid typing experience without the resistance that can fatigue fingers during extended typing sessions. The interplay of smoothness and weight ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, a quality that many users crave.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch leaves much to the imagination regarding its sound and feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering a rich auditory experience and smooth tactile feedback. Those seeking a well-rounded linear switch with solid quality and acoustic satisfaction may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie. Meanwhile, if you're curious about the Outemu Purple, it might still offer a unique experience, though its characteristics remain less defined. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, and users are likely to find enjoyment in either option based on their specific needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making every keystroke rewarding and satisfying, then the Outemu Purple may be the right switch for you. It can be particularly beneficial for typists who like to feel and hear the actuation, giving them a sense of control and engagement with each key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless keystroke experience without any tactile bump, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to deliver exceptional smoothness alongside a pleasing thocky sound profile. This switch is ideal for gamers or those who frequently type quickly, as it allows for rapid key presses and less finger fatigue. Ultimately, your specific preferences for sound and feel, along with your primary purposes such as typing, gaming, or a combination of both, should guide your decision in choosing between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more