Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey 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, preferences can heavily influence your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Grey switch stands out as a tactile option, renowned for its quiet yet highly tactile typing experience. With a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke, it caters perfectly to those who enjoy feedback with minimal noise, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch that emphasizes fluidity, featuring a medium-weight design and a thocky sound profile that delivers exceptional smoothness without the tactile feedback. This makes it a great choice for gamers and typists who prioritize a swift and uninterrupted keystroke. While both switches offer unique benefits—quiet satisfaction versus smooth efficiency—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond the generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we can observe distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality stems from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM top housing, which is recognized for generating a deeper and more muted sound. While both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the choice of the polycarbonate in the Silent Grey allows for a more vibrant sound profile, particularly suited for RGB lighting setups, whereas the POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a distinct auditory warmth.
On the bottom housing front, the Silent Grey utilizes nylon, a traditional switch housing material that contributes to a fuller, deeper sound due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie complements its POM top housing with a POM bottom housing as well. POM delivers a unique sound, similar in depth to nylon but typically presenting a more muted overall auditory experience. The combination of nylon for the Silent Grey allows for a more pronounced bottom-out feel, while the dual POM construction of the Sea Salt Smoothie upholds a consistently deeper and more rounded sound profile from both the top and bottom. This difference in design shifts the overall acoustic qualities experienced during use.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings defines the user experience of these switches. For the Silent Grey, the separation between the crisp, higher-pitched characteristics of the polycarbonate top and the deeper nylon bottom highlights the contrast of sound profiles; the top influences the release sound, while the bottom shapes the bottom-out sensation. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's dual POM construction creates a more cohesive sound that leans towards the muted side, emphasizing a rich auditory depth throughout the keypress. Although the housing materials differ, the similarity in the deeper sound profile exhibited by both switches can provide users with a satisfying auditory experience regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Grey requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom-out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that some users may appreciate for its substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to activate for extended periods, though its bottom-out force remains unknown. As a result, typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use may favor the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who enjoy the feedback of a heavier switch may opt for the Silent Grey. Overall, this comparison highlights the Silent Grey as the heavier option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.3 mm difference indicates that the Silent Grey switch provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and hearty feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, might be favored by those looking for a quicker response, such as gamers seeking faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either deeper engagement or brisk responsiveness.
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 Grey 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are known for providing a quiet typing experience, making them ideal for environments where noise control is essential. Their design emphasizes a muted acoustic profile, allowing you to type without disturbing others around you. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches produce a more pronounced thocky sound, which adds a pleasant auditory feedback during use. While the Silent Grey might appeal to those seeking silence, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound provides a more engaging auditory feedback that some typists might find satisfying. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by either switch can vary depending on the keyboard build and the keycap material you choose.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey switches offer a highly tactile experience with a pronounced bump that contributes to a satisfying keystroke. This tactile nature allows typists to feel the actuation point clearly, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie switches are linear and emphasize smoothness throughout the keystroke without any tactile bump. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a fluid typing experience, where the focus is less on tactile feedback and more on seamless key travel. For those who enjoy a tactile feel, the Silent Grey will stand out, while users who prioritize smoothness will appreciate the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Overall, choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch comes down to personal typing preferences. If you're looking for a quiet, tactile experience that allows for confident and accurate typing, the Silent Grey is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth, thocky sound profile and a more fluid keystroke, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a delightful alternative. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a quality typing experience, but your decision will hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or smoothness more in your typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a quiet and tactile experience, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive settings like an office or study, the Silent Grey is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and its pronounced tactile bump provide the satisfying feedback many typists crave while ensuring that your keystrokes remain discreet. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more linear feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. This switch, known for its thocky sound profile, can provide a more fluid typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or fast typing where noise isn’t a concern. Additionally, if you enjoy the tactile feedback without the sound interference of clicky switches, the Silent Grey caters to that while the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering smooth transitions between key presses. In the end, consider your typing style, the environment you’ll be typing in, and whether you prefer a tactile or linear feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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