Outemu Silver vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often turn to options like the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which are linear switches that offer unique experiences. The Outemu Silver is renowned for its responsiveness and quick actuation, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking to achieve rapid key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines with its medium weight and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that appeals to typists and casual users alike. While the Silver prioritizes speed and precision, the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a smooth, enjoyable typing experience without breaking the bank. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches feature different top housing materials which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Silver's top housing is made of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is particularly enhanced when the housing is clear, allowing RGB lighting to shine through beautifully and create an aesthetically pleasing effect. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. The choice of POM lends the Smoothie a unique auditory quality, making it pleasing in a different, less resonant way compared to the Silver's sharpness. Therefore, if one seeks brighter sounds when typing, the Silver is the preferable option, while the Smoothie's softer tones cater to those favoring a subdued auditory experience.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Silver and Sea Salt Smoothie employ materials that influence how sound is absorbed and resonated within the switch. The Silver features a nylon bottom housing, generally celebrated for its ability to produce a fuller and deeper sound. Its relatively softer composition allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also offers a deeper and muted sound profile akin to the nylon of the Silver. This similarity means that while the top housings differ substantially, the bottom housings in both switches lead to comparable outcomes regarding sound quality, particularly in terms of depth and mutedness when keys bottom out.

The combination of top and bottom housing materials in both the Outemu Silver and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie ultimately shapes the unique typing experiences offered by each switch. The Silver, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, results in a balance of sharpness when keys are released and fullness upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Smoothie’s POM top and bottom housings work together to create a more consistent muted sound profile throughout the keypress. Thus, while the switches diverge in sound quality at the initiation of the stroke, their bottom-out acoustics are influenced similarly by their respective bottom housing materials. For users aiming for specific auditory effects, understanding these contrasts and similarities is essential in selecting an optimal switch for their typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The Outemu Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly heavier at 48 grams. This means that the Silver switch is better suited for users seeking lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to engage. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a defined feel when the key is fully pressed down, while we lack explicit information on the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie switch. Without knowing the Sea Salt Smoothie’s bottom out force, we cannot draw direct comparisons in that regard; however, the difference in actuation force suggests that users of the Outemu Silver will experience a lighter overall feel compared to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find distinct differences that may appeal to different types of users. The Outemu Silver features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preference: gamers might favor the shorter Sea Salt Smoothie for its quicker response time, while those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the more conventional depth of the Silver switch. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, the Outemu Silver offers more travel depth for those who enjoy a hearty press, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users seeking a faster, more responsive feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a distinct sonic quality that sets it apart from other switches in its category, which means it tends to blend into the background noise of a typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper and more satisfying acoustics that provides auditory feedback during use. This richer sound can enhance the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel more impactful. However, it's important to note that the ultimate sound quality can vary with different keyboard builds and keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch is relatively straightforward, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke experience that might lack the tactile feedback some users prefer. Contrastingly, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which comes from its all-POM construction that reduces friction, resulting in a more fluid typing action. This can contribute to a more enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who favor linear switches that allow for rapid key presses without resistance.

In summary, while the Outemu Silver linear switch may offer a more neutral feel and sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound profile and superior smoothness, making it an attractive option for users seeking both quality and enjoyment in their typing experience. If you desire a rich auditory feedback and a standout tactile experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better choice. However, if you're looking for a no-frills linear switch, the Silver can still deliver a satisfactory performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role in your choice. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, the Outemu Silver, with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, may be more suitable for you, especially if you enjoy a firmer keystroke and the tactile feedback that comes with it. This can be beneficial if you're a heavier typist or someone who appreciates the sensation of a robust switch while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the way to go. Its design features a "thocky" sound profile that many enthusiasts adore, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback without being overly loud. This switch is ideal for users seeking a balance of performance and affordability while still enjoying a premium feel, thanks to its all-POM construction. Ultimately, evaluate your being a gamer versus a typist, desired sound profile, and actuation force preferences to determine which switch will enhance your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more