Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Red both offer unique advantages for different typing preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a tactile and satisfying auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a quiet yet seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile that makes it well-suited for office environments or shared living spaces. With its buttery consistency and padded bottom-out feel, the Silent Red prioritizes comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, they cater to different demands: the Sea Salt Smoothie for those who enjoy a pronounced sound and tactile feel, and the Silent Red for those seeking a more discreet and cushioned 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Silent Red switches present notable differences that greatly influence their respective sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie's use of Polyoxymethylene (POM) for its top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. This material is recognized for its ability to produce a more subdued sound, contributing to a softer acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the Silent Red switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition which facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of the sound profile but also makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, adding an aesthetic advantage that POM lacks.
Delving into the bottom housings, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM material similar to its top housing, continuing the theme of a deeper and more muted sound profile. Meanwhile, the Silent Red incorporates nylon, a classic switch housing material recognized for its softer texture. Nylon’s ability to absorb more sound density results in a fuller and more rounded auditory experience when compared to both the nylon and POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie. The combination of these materials in the bottom housing of both switches plays a crucial role in dictating the overall sound and feel when pressing the keys. While the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie contributes consistently to a muted acoustic, the use of nylon in the Silent Red adds both depth and a unique softness to the overall experience.
In summary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Silent Red switches demonstrate distinct acoustic qualities stemming from their varied housing materials. The POM top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie creates a deeper sound profile that is rich in character, while the rigidity of polycarbonate in the Silent Red promotes a crisper sound. Both switches' bottom housings further distinguish their auditory profiles, with the POM continuing the muted experience for the Sea Salt Smoothie and nylon enriching the depth for the Silent Red. While the switches may differ in material composition, users can expect different experiences that emphasize particular sound qualities, ultimately allowing for a diverse typing experience that can suit various personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Silent Red is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that users looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Silent Red for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the Silent Red has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. This absent figure means that we cannot directly compare the bottom out experience of the two switches. For those who desire a more substantial typing feel, the Silent Red's heavier bottom out force may be preferable. Overall, the Silent Red offers a lighter actuation force with a defined medium-heavy bottom out force, making it a better choice for users looking for less fatigue during extended usage.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Red linear switches feature an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance before reaching the bottom. As a result, the key feel and actuation may be quite similar in terms of depth, contributing to a comparable typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect consistent results regardless of which switch you choose to use.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch produces a distinct "thocky" sound profile that many typists appreciate for its depth and resonance. This makes it a more satisfying auditory experience compared to typical linear switches, enhancing the tactile enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed for those looking to minimize noise in their environment. Its muted sound profile ensures a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for use in office settings or shared living spaces where sound can be a distraction. Thus, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a robust auditory experience, the Silent Red prioritizes a discreet typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness; the all-POM construction contributes to a fluid typing experience that reduces friction and enhances comfort. This switch maintains that delightful tactile feedback that many enthusiasts seek. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a buttery smooth keystroke, characterized by a polished and mild touch. Users can expect a very refined finish that contributes to a seamless typing sensation, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The Silent Red's padded bottom-out feel adds an element of comfort, ensuring that the experience is gentle and approachable for all users.
In summary, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Silent Red switches offer unique qualities suited to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is perfect for those who appreciate a richer sound and smooth keystrokes, while the Silent Red caters to individuals seeking a quieter experience without sacrificing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal typing environment and what aspects you prioritize most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a rich sound profile and an exceedingly smooth keystroke, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for someone who appreciates a "thocky" sound and seeks a switch that balances quality with affordability. However, if you find yourself in a shared or office space where noise can be an issue, the TTC Silent Red is your go-to option. With its muted sound and buttery feel, it ensures a peaceful typing experience without sacrificing smoothness. While the Silent Red has a heavier bottom-out force that provides a nice, supportive feel, it may appeal more to those who enjoy a little more resistance while typing. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will hinge on whether you value the auditory feedback and aesthetic of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the quiet ease and comfort of the TTC Silent Red. Each switch has its unique strengths, so consider your environment and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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