Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh factors such as sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a medium-weight linear switch crafted from POM, delivering a satisfying "thocky" sound with exceptional smoothness, providing a quintessential experience for those who favor a quieter yet still tactile feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell offers a unique aesthetic appeal with its stunning purple hue and combines lightness with a clacky sound profile, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate a more playful and expressive typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizing smoothness and sound quality, while the Seashell prioritizes a combination of visual charm and a lively auditory feedback. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Seashell utilize distinctly different housing materials for their switches, which impacts their overall sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a muted, deeper sound. This sound quality provides a unique and pleasing auditory experience, characterized by its softer resonance. In contrast, the Seashell’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference is significant; while the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to individuals who prefer a warmer, more subdued typing experience, the Seashell’s polycarbonate design caters to those who enjoy a sharper and more defined auditory feedback while typing.
When examining the bottom housing of these two switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie again employs POM, echoing the sound characteristics of its top housing—resulting in a deeper, relatively muted sound profile. Conversely, the Seashell features a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally known for providing a fuller sound experience. Nylon's softer quality allows it to absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory feedback that complements the crisper top housing. This combination creates a layered sound experience in the Seashell, where the nylon's absorption conveys a deep, full feel during keystrokes, while the polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of sound when the key is released.
In terms of typing experience, the differences in housing materials lead to a notable contrast in auditory and tactile feedback during use, yet both switches can produce satisfying results tailored to the user's preferences. If one is looking for a more muted and deeper sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if a sharper response and a brighter sound profile is preferred, the Jerrzi Seashell would be more suitable. Nonetheless, both switches will offer fulfilling experiences based on these unique sound qualities, showcasing how the interplay between different housing materials can create a versatile range of auditory feedback for users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch to the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see notable differences in the actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Seashell’s 45 grams, making the latter the lighter option. This difference in actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more delicate touch for long typing sessions or gaming, as it may reduce finger fatigue. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, leaving a gap in our understanding of how they feel when pressed all the way down. Without this information, it's difficult to determine how substantial the overall typing experience would be for each switch. For those who enjoy a more solid push reaction, the heavier Sea Salt Smoothie may suit their preference better, while typists favoring a lighter feel should lean towards the Seashell.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this comparison, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the longer option, providing a deeper feel when pressed down, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel. Both switches fall within the trend of shorter travel distances, but with the Sea Salt Smoothie offering a slightly more pronounced depth. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Seashell could be favorable, while those desiring a heartier feel might gravitate toward 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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is renowned for its thocky sound profile, which brings a deep and satisfying auditory experience to each key press. This sound is typically more subdued compared to the sharper, more pronounced sounds produced by the Jerrzi Seashell switches. The Seashells are characterized by their clacky, high-pitched tones that deliver a crisp and bright sound, making them ideal for those who appreciate a more lively auditory feedback. The contrast between the thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie and the clack of the Seashells caters to different preferences, and the final sound experience will also depend on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth typing experience, but the specific qualities it's known for remain unspecified. In contrast, the Seashell switches provide an exceptionally light and feathery feel that significantly reduces finger fatigue, making them incredibly comfortable for prolonged use. Their easy-to-press design requires minimal force for actuation, enhancing the typing experience by allowing for effortless keystrokes. Furthermore, the polished finish of these switches ensures a refined feel, minimizing friction during typing. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may not offer the same details, but it likely shares some appeal in terms of smoothness and overall comfort.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches cater to different sound profiles, with the Smoothie providing a thocky and subdued tone and the Seashell offering a clacky and vibrant experience, their tactile qualities also differ significantly. The Seashell is designed for light, feathery key presses, making it perfect for extended use, whereas the Smoothie promises a smooth typing experience without specific descriptors to highlight. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the auditory feedback or the feel of the switches, and both options will provide unique yet satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a thocky sound profile combined with exceptional smoothness and a polished feel, then the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely your best bet. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a medium-weight switch that balances a rich auditory experience with superb typing comfort. On the other hand, if you're drawn to aesthetics and desire a switch that is light and clacky with a delightful high-pitched sound, the Seashell is an excellent choice. Its feathery touch and minimal resistance make it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether you're gaming, working, or studying. In essence, go for the Sea Salt Smoothie if you seek a premium tactile experience, or choose the Seashell for a vibrant, low-effort typing experience that keeps you engaged for hours.
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