Outemu Silent Green vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both categorized as linear switches. The Outemu Silent Green is designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, appealing to gamers and typists who value tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience while they type. While both switches offer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump found in other switch categories, the decision ultimately hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes evident that both switches utilize different materials for their construction, which directly influences their sound profiles and overall feel. The Silent Green features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, lending the switch a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the rigidity of polycarbonate, which enhances acoustic clarity and resonance—especially in RGB lighting scenarios, where the translucence of the material can make the lighting effects more visually appealing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is constructed from POM, a material known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. The different acoustic properties of POM contribute to a unique sound signature that contrasts with the crisper notes of polycarbonate.
The bottom housings present a similar contrast, with the Silent Green again utilizing polycarbonate, while the Sea Salt Smoothie contains POM. The significance of these materials becomes apparent when considering how they influence the sound produced when a key is pressed and released. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green ensures that the bottom-out sound is pronounced and clear, maintaining a high-pitched tactile experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie results in a deeper and less pronounced sound, enhancing the overall muted acoustic profile. The effect of these materials on the sound is critical; thus, the experience of each switch can differ dramatically even though they share the commonality of being mechanical keyboard switches.
Ultimately, the distinct materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Silent Green and Sea Salt Smoothie lead to unique auditory experiences that characterize each switch. If you sought similar results from both switches, it would be essential to manipulate the acoustic impact of the environment—like dampening the sound or adjusting the keyboard's surface—since the materials themselves inherently produce different auditory signatures. In summary, while the Silent Green offers sharpness and clarity attributed to polycarbonate, the Sea Salt Smoothie presents a softer, more muted experience thanks to its POM construction, showcasing how distinct materials can diversify the mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Green switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Sea Salt Smoothie, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. This means that users may find the Silent Green easier to press, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unavailable, so we cannot directly compare how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Silent Green has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, contributing to a medium tactile experience that some users may find preferable for a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Silent Green provides a lighter actuation and a tangible bottom out force, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force is heavier with an unknown bottom out characteristic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that, while both switches provide a satisfying keystroke experience, the Silent Green offers a more substantial depth, which some users may prefer for that hearty feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter 3.7 mm travel distance might cater more to gamers looking for quicker response times and a snappier feel. Therefore, for users who favor a traditional, deeper keystroke, the Silent Green would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a shorter, more responsive switch would likely lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Silent 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
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch is known for its subtle sound profile, which is designed to minimize noise during keystrokes. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where quiet operation is a priority, ensuring that each keypress remains discreet. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound that offers a satisfying auditory feedback while still being relatively muted compared to more clicky switches. The Smoothie’s sound is enhanced by its all-POM construction, contributing to a rich acoustic experience that enthusiasts often enjoy. However, the auditory experience can vary widely based on the keyboard's overall build and the choice of keycaps, so both switches may sound different depending on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Green switch offers a smooth linear experience that is comfortable for extended typing sessions, though it lacks the tactile feedback found in other switch types. This smoothness is ideal for writers and gamers who prefer a consistent keystroke without any bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is also known for its exceptional smoothness, enhancing the typing experience without any friction or bump. The medium-weight actuation of the Smoothie strikes a balance that many find appealing, making it versatile for both gaming and typing. Both switches provide a similar feeling of smooth keystrokes, which is highly desirable among users looking for a linear option.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Green excels in creating a hushed typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound signature and smooth keystrokes. Both switches afford a quiet linear experience, though the Sea Salt Smoothie adds an extra dimension of sound that may appeal to users seeking a little more auditory character. Ultimately, both switches are great choices, with the Silent Green prioritizing silence and the Sea Salt Smoothie blending smoothness with a satisfying sound profile. Depending on personal preference and typing environment, either could serve well, but users may gravitate toward the Smoothie for that enhanced tactile enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie should align with your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a medium actuation force and prefer a more subdued, quieter environment, the Silent Green switch is an excellent option. It can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces or late-night typing sessions, providing a tactile response without the noise commonly associated with mechanical switches. On the other hand, if you value a smooth typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch might be better suited for you. This switch focuses on delivering smoothness and an enjoyable acoustic experience, which can enhance your overall typing pleasure. Ultimately, consider your typing environment, personal comfort with actuation force, and sound preferences as you decide between these two appealing options, ensuring your mechanical keyboard best matches your needs.
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