Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances of your typing experience can significantly enhance or hinder your workflow. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two linear switches that cater to different preferences and environments. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is designed for minimalist audio feedback, featuring a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel that is ideal for quieter settings, such as offices or shared spaces where noise could disrupt others. While both switches offer smooth linear action without the tactile bump found in other switch types, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel or silence and comfort. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches exhibit significant differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic leads to a sound profile that many users find pleasing and unique, as it creates a sensation of softness in both the keystrokes and the overall acoustic output. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This pronounced tonal quality allows for a clackier sound, giving users a more distinct auditory feedback that is often preferred for typing.
Due to the differences in materials, the Sea Salt Smoothie prioritizes a thuddier impact when bottoming out, making it ideal for those who favor a more subdued typing experience. The soft, muted sound can be particularly appealing to users seeking a quieter environment. On the flipside, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing creates a more vibrant acoustic signature that can be invigorating to typists who appreciate a sharper audio response to their keystrokes. The high-pitched and clacky sound from the Silent Ink Black offers an energetic experience that some typists find rewarding.
Despite these contrasts, both switches offer distinct benefits that cater to various preferences. If users prioritize a deeper and more muted sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a consistently delightful typing experience. Meanwhile, those who thrive on a crisper, more pronounced keystroke sound might find their preferences aligned with the Silent Ink Black. Overall, while the differing materials create unique auditory experiences, individuals can still achieve a satisfying typing outcome depending on their auditory and tactile preferences—opting for either switch could ultimately meet specific user desires, albeit through different sensory pathways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long working hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a firmer tactile response while typing. As for the bottom out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie does not have a specified value, which leaves this aspect unknown, while the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. Thus, if you lean towards lighter switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the better option; however, for those seeking a more substantial feel with a heavier push, the Silent Ink Black would be the way to go.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Ink Black features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for fast-paced gaming scenarios, where quick key presses are crucial. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience that some users find more satisfying due to the additional depth. Ultimately, if you are seeking quicker response times, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice, while the Silent Ink Black might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch features a thocky sound profile, which strikes a balance between pleasant acoustics and reduced harshness often found in louder mechanical switches. This sound characteristic can be described as rich and satisfying, creating a pronounced auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed for environments where noise minimization is crucial, offering a significantly quieter typing experience. This switch produces a muted sound, resulting in softer key presses that contribute to a more discreet typing atmosphere. Both switches will yield distinct sound experiences, with the Sea Salt Smoothie providing a more audible engagement compared to the near-silent operation of the Silent Ink Black.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, making it a delight to type on with very little friction during key presses. Its medium weight provides a satisfying balance that many typists enjoy, adding to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a silky and polished feel, characterized by a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out sensation. This switch effectively minimizes resistance during each press, which further contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. While both switches provide a high level of smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a more dynamic interaction, whereas the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a softer and quieter feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black each provide unique sound and feel characteristics suited for different typing preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound with excellent smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. The Silent Ink Black, however, prioritizes a muted sound with a pillow-like feel, catering to users seeking minimal noise and a smooth typing experience. Depending on your priorities—whether you value a more pronounced sound or prefer a quieter operation—both switches can deliver a high-quality mechanical experience, catering to diverse typing needs and environments.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your specific typing environment and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your best choice. It caters well to those who enjoy the tactile feedback of linear switches without the noise, making it ideal for home or personal use where sound levels are less of a concern. On the other hand, if you work in a shared or quieter environment and require something with a softer, muted sound, the Silent Ink Black should be your go-to. This switch offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring minimal noise while still providing that cushy bottom-out sensation that can reduce fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile joy and sound or the need for discretion and a smooth typing experience.
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