Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight all-POM construction, offering a satisfying "thocky" sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile yet quiet feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that appeals to light typists or those seeking a peaceful work environment, reminiscent of raindrops gently tapping on a window. While the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in providing a rich auditory feedback without being overly loud, the Silent Sakura prioritizes an ultra-quiet atmosphere, making it easier for users in shared spaces. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials in their top housing, which significantly influences their sound characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and more muted sound profile. This unique acoustic quality is a result of POM's substantial rigidity, which produces an unusually satisfying sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for providing a fuller and deeper sound. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, producing a sound that is less sharp and more rounded. While both switches aim for a pleasing auditory experience, their choice of top housing materials leads to distinct sound signatures.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs another POM material, similarly contributing to its deeper and muted sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g opts for polycarbonate in its bottom housing, which produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clearer resonance, creating a sound that is distinct from the Sea Salt Smoothie. This difference in materials means that the bottom-out sound of the Silent Sakura is likely to be sharper, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing will enhance the already muted sound, providing a completely different tactile experience when typing.
Ultimately, while both switches strive for appealing sound profiles, their differing materials result in contrasting auditory experiences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more muted and deeper overall sound due to the consistent use of POM for both top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g showcases a split sound dynamic—its nylon top providing a deep sound while the polycarbonate bottom adds a clearer, higher-pitched quality. This contrast illustrates how the individual characteristics of each housing material contribute to the overall experience of each switch, affecting not just audibility but also typing satisfaction. If one is looking for a more consistent sound experience, one can achieve similar results with the POM materials, while those drawn to a sharper sound may prefer the Silent Sakura’s combination.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a higher actuation force of 48 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push during typing, whereas the lighter actuation force of the Silent Sakura is better suited for extended typing sessions and gaming, reducing finger fatigue. Regarding the bottom out force, the Silent Sakura has a clearly defined bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. This lack of information means we cannot directly compare how far one would feel the bottoming out sensation versus the other. However, based on the available data, it can be concluded that the Sea Salt Smoothie is the heavier switch, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, catering to distinct preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more traditional feel and greater depth for typists who prefer a more tactile experience. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a hearty depth would likely lean towards the Silent Sakura - 43g.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 produces a distinctive thocky sound profile, contributing to a satisfying acoustics experience that can enhance typing pleasure. This characteristic is heightened by the medium-weight design of the switch, which balances auditory feedback with a smooth operation. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for an ultra-quiet experience, offering a soft and gentle sound reminiscent of rain softly falling on a window. This whisper-quiet performance is ideal for settings where noise reduction is crucial, making it perfect for office environments or quiet spaces. Ultimately, while both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a more pronounced sound, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes silence.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to its all-POM construction that reduces friction. This switch provides a satisfying resistance that is neither too heavy nor too light, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g boasts an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, making it incredibly easy to press and ideal for light typists who prefer a gentler touch. The tactile feedback remains smooth, yet the lighter actuation can lead to faster typing speeds for those accustomed to a lighter switch. Although the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a medium weight that many may find comfortable, the Silent Sakura targets those who desire a feather-light feel, allowing for a different typing experience entirely.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound and smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback and a balanced tactile experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a serene typing environment with its ultra-quiet operation and light actuation force, making it a great option for quiet, efficient typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the environments in which you typically type.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a thocky sound profile and a smoother feel that enhances your typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better choice for you, especially if you enjoy a balanced tactile feedback without any discernible actuation force holding you back. This switch is ideal for casual typists or gamers looking for a moderately weighted option that remains enjoyable during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a very light actuation force, the Silent Sakura - 43g will serve you well, particularly in shared workspaces or environments where noise could be a disruption. These switches are designed for light typists who appreciate a serene atmosphere, making them the perfect fit for those who want to minimize sound without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your typing preferences but also the context in which you will be using your keyboard.
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