Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options that cater to different typing preferences and sound profiles. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, stands out for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying tactile experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a unique blend of whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out experience; it's designed for those who appreciate a silky smooth typing feel without the excess noise. While the Smoothie provides a balanced and thocky auditory feedback ideal for many typists, the Semi-Silent Linear may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued sound profile while still enjoying an engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, notable differences emerge that influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a top housing made of POM (polyoxymethylene), known for producing a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. This contributes to a richer auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer a less pronounced keystroke sound. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer nature, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This difference in material results in distinct auditory feedback: while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a subdued sound aesthetic, the Semi-Silent Linear caters to users who enjoy the clarity and resonance of a sharper keystroke.
The bottom housing also plays a significant role in defining the sound characteristics of each switch. The Sea Salt Smoothie is composed of a POM bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing by maintaining a muted and deeper sound profile. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch material known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a fuller and rounder sound profile, complementing the clarity of its polycarbonate top. Users of the Semi-Silent Linear may appreciate the combination of a pronounced top sound and a deeper, more enveloping bottom sound, whereas Sea Salt Smoothie users might prefer the cohesive muted sound produced by consistent POM materials both above and below.
While these switches utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings, the resulting sound profiles reflect their respective constructions. If a switch's top and bottom housing materials are different, the combined qualities lead to a layered sound experience; the top housing influences the sound that occurs as the key is released, while the bottom housing affects the sound upon bottoming out. In the case of the Sea Salt Smoothie, the harmony of POM throughout both housings delivers a consistent sound signature, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear's mix of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a dynamic auditory range. Thus, understanding these differences enables users to select switches that align with their preferences, balancing depth and clarity in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we see a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a known actuation force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option, which can facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons, appealing to users who prefer less resistance. However, its bottom out force is unknown, which means we can't determine how it feels when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear boasts a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium, indicating a heavier push feel that some users might enjoy for a more substantial typing experience. However, the actuation force of the Jwick is also unknown, leaving uncertainty about its initial keystroke trigger. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter choice, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a heavier bottoming experience, appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable results in terms of the feel and responsiveness of the switches when pressed. Since both switches require the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, they provide a unified experience for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes in their typing or gaming endeavors. Consequently, the choice between these two switches may come down to factors such as actuation force, sound profile, or personal preference in feel rather than travel distance.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 linear switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. This rich sound character is often preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile aural experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued auditory quality with its semi-silent design. It retains a clacky bottom-out sound that can be enjoyable yet is mitigated by its whisper-quiet topping-out. This allows for a typing experience that is less disruptive, making it more suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
When discussing feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, which is characteristic of linear switches, yet specific details are not provided in the available information. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch delivers a mild typing experience with its snappy responsiveness. It features a silky smoothness that feels refined but not overly polished, resulting in a gentle yet pleasant typing action. Additionally, its buttery quality means that each keystroke glides seamlessly, providing fluidity that many typists appreciate. The interplay of these qualities ensures a refined tactile sensation without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinctive sound and feel characteristics suitable for different preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for those who enjoy a rich, thocky sound, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear excels in environments requiring reduced noise with its softer sound profile. In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a balanced typing experience that caters to a variety of users, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness remains a strong point that is consistent with linear switches. Overall, each switch has its strengths, and your choice will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you value a switch that provides an exceptional smoothness paired with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely your best bet. It's perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile, immersive typing experience without overly pronounced noise, making it an excellent option for both casual gaming and day-to-day typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that balances a subdued, whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clackier bottom-out, the Semi-Silent Linear would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom-out force and smooth performance, it's suitable for various environments, including shared workspaces or home offices, where minimizing noise is important. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique usage scenarios—whether you prioritize sound quality and smoothness or a more balanced typing experience with discreet acoustics.
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