Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its medium weight and all-POM construction, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a great option for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke and satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that provides a delightful medium tactility, allowing users to feel a satisfying resistance when pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience. This switch is particularly advantageous for those working in quieter environments, as it is designed for minimal noise without sacrificing feedback. Both switches excel in their respective niches—whether you're looking for a smooth and pronounced audible experience with the Sea Salt Smoothie, or a quieter, tactile sensation with the Silent Bluish White (V2). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), notable differences emerge between the two switches. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM plastic for its top and bottom housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This material's characteristics allow for a pleasing auditory experience that prioritizes warmth and fullness, which may be particularly appealing to typists looking for a smoother, less abrasive sound. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) employs polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The polycarbonate's stiffer nature provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon's softer composition contributes to a duller and rounder sound—resulting in a unique balance between the two materials.
The differing characteristics of the top and bottom housings in these switches significantly influence their sound profiles. The POM material in the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in creating a more cohesive sound experience, as both housings are designed to emit a quieter, more complementary auditory quality. This uniformity allows for a seamless interaction when typing, where the bottom-out sensations and sounds foster a cohesive and pleasing experience. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2), with its polycarbonate top housing, sharpens the sound during release. The nylon bottom housing, while absorbing some sound, creates a dynamic contrast in feel and auditory output. This interplay of materials results in a distinct typing experience, with the release creating a clearer snapshot of sound against the fuller base established by the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, if you desire a unique auditory experience, understanding the qualities that each material brings to the switches is vital. Although the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more uniform and muted sound due to its POM construction, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Silent Bluish White (V2) allows for a broader range of auditory characteristics. When utilizing these switches, one can expect a richer experience through the POM's depth in the Sea Salt Smoothie versus the Poli-Ny combination's sharpness and clarity in the Silent Bluish White (V2). Thus, if a desirable sound experience similar to the Sea Salt Smoothie could be achieved with the Silent Bluish White by consciously opting for softer actuation or adjusting typing technique, the results may still appeal to enthusiasts in various typing environments.
Weight
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) is lighter at 42 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use might find the Silent Bluish White (V2) more comfortable. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie lacks a defined bottom out force, which makes it difficult to assess its full depth, unlike the Silent Bluish White (V2), which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a more substantial feel when bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer heavier switches for a more tactile experience. In conclusion, if you favor a lighter actuation force with a defined bottom out feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may suit those who prefer a mystery in bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we find that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel and quicker key presses, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more substantial depth with its 3.7 mm distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a fuller tactile experience when typing. Thus, for those seeking a speedy and snappy response, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is ideal, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who appreciate a little more travel in their keystrokes.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 produces a thocky sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This sound can be both distinctive and pleasant, appealing to those who appreciate a bit of acoustic feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) features a muted sound characteristic, designed to minimize noise while typing. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where quiet operation is essential, such as offices or shared spaces. Overall, while both switches provide unique sound experiences—one being thocky and the other muted—they cater to different preferences and environments, emphasizing the importance of context in their auditory appeal.
When considering the feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is particularly known for its exceptional smoothness but lacks specific descriptors to quantify this experience. However, its reputation suggests a refined and fluid keystroke that many would find appealing. The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), conversely, offers a mild, stepped tactile experience, characterized by a gentle resistance as it engages, combined with a buttery sensation for effortless typing. The subtlety in their tactile feedback and a polished finish also indicate a refined tactile experience conducive to pleasant typing sessions. Thus, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is expected to provide smoothness, the Silent Bluish White (V2) presents a more tactile typing sensation, making them quite distinct in their feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches showcase two different approaches to mechanical keyboard design. The Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a thocky sound and smooth keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback during their typing, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) focuses on a quieter, more tactile experience, suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches are well-crafted in their own right, catering to a variety of user's preferences and typing needs. Whether you prioritize sound or feel, there's a worthy option to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. It delivers exceptional smoothness and a thocky sound profile, making your typing feel effortless. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a clean and uninterrupted keystroke, particularly in environments where sound minimalism is important, like shared offices or quiet study spaces. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile response in your typing but still want to maintain a quiet atmosphere, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better choice. With a medium tactile feel and a muted sound profile, these switches provide a satisfying level of resistance without being overly loud, making them suitable for both focused work and casual typing. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your desire for sound, tactile feedback, and the specific environments in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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