SP-Star RedBlue vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue 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, the SP-Star RedBlue and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer compelling options that cater to different preferences. The RedBlue switch is celebrated for its medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile yet effortless feel under their fingers. Its relatively low-pitched sound profile, characterized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, contributes to a typing experience that is both pleasing and subdued. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its medium-weight all-POM construction, which strikes a balance between durability and smooth keystrokes. Notably, this switch produces a rich thocky sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. While the RedBlue is perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more muted sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie is tailored for users seeking robust feedback and a satisfying auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Gold plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star RedBlue and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, distinct differences arise that greatly affect their sound profiles. The RedBlue features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is a stiffer plastic, contributing to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material choice results in a highly resonant and clear auditory experience, making the RedBlue particularly appealing for users who appreciate a more pronounced and high-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows the switch to showcase RGB lighting effectively, amplifying both its visual and auditory allure.
In stark contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a more subdued sound. POM, while still delivering a unique auditory experience, creates a deeper, more muted sound profile compared to the brighter qualities of polycarbonate. This distinctive acoustic character may appeal to users who prefer a more subdued keystroke and a softer auditory feedback when typing. Consequently, the differences in housing materials highlight that the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound will be less sharp and more rounded than that of the RedBlue.
Despite these contrasting qualities, both switches may achieve desired results depending on user preference. If a user favors a more muted typing experience without the pronounced brilliance of polycarbonate, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing could provide a satisfying alternative. Conversely, for those who appreciate the lively and resonant feedback of polycarbonate, the RedBlue would likely be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two materials will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, leading to unique auditory and tactile experiences regardless of the switch type.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The RedBlue switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is characterized as medium-light, providing a good balance for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, although its bottom out force remains unspecified. This suggests that while the Sea Salt Smoothie may feel easier to actuate and potentially enhance long-duration typing or gaming sessions, the RedBlue offers a medium-light resistance that could be more appealing for those who enjoy a more substantial feel during key presses. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while the RedBlue is heavier at bottoming out, catering to different user preferences based on the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. The RedBlue switch, with its traditional 4 mm travel, offers a more pronounced depth, which some users find satisfying and comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who prefer quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking a faster actuation. Ultimately, your preference will dictate the better option—if you enjoy the feeling of depth during key presses, the RedBlue is the way to go, while those who favor a more rapid feedback might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch produces a relatively low-pitched tone that is characterized by a mellow, bass-heavy quality. This sound profile resonates well in a versatile typing environment, making it suitable whether you're at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is known for a thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying “thud” or “knock” upon actuation. While the subjective experience of sound may vary based on keyboard build and keycap choice, it’s clear that both switches aim for an engaging auditory experience, albeit the RedBlue is less prominent in depth compared to the thocky richness of the Smoothie.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star RedBlue offers a mild typing experience, which strikes a balance that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The polished nature of the switch provides a refined ride as you type, minimizing friction and enhancing overall smoothness. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are currently unknown, leaving room for speculation regarding its tactile characteristics. However, given the reputation of Gateron switches typically leaning towards smoothness, it’s likely that the Smoothie may also deliver a satisfying typing experience.
In summary, both the SP-Star RedBlue and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches cater to different preferences while maintaining high-quality standards. The RedBlue excels with its low-pitched sound and a mild yet polished feel, making it suitable for various typing environments. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie entices with its thocky auditory experience, and while its tactile experience remains unclear, it likely offers smooth performance. As a newcomer, you can expect enjoyable and engaging typing experiences with either option, depending on your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your preference for typing experience and sound should guide your choice. If you enjoy a medium-light typing experience characterized by low-pitched, neutral sound—perfect for a variety of environments—the RedBlue switch would be an excellent fit. Its polished feel ensures a smooth key press, making it user-friendly whether you're a novice or a seasoned typist. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial force and a richer auditory feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better option for you. Known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this switch caters to those who appreciate a deeper sound and a satisfying tactile response. While the bottom-out force of the Smoothie is unspecified, its reputation suggests a more robust feel that some users find appealing for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for sound and feel, tailoring your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking.
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