Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight design and thocky sound profile, which combines exceptional smoothness with an enjoyable auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is meticulously crafted to ensure a whisper-quiet typing experience, resembling the serene sound of raindrops, thanks to its carefully calibrated 53g bottom-out force that provides a satisfying feel while minimizing distractions. Each switch has its merits: the Sea Salt Smoothie for its engaging sound and smooth action, and the Silent Sakura for its quiet efficiency and comfortable keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer contrasting experiences largely due to their different housing materials. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a top housing made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for its ability to produce a deeper, more muted sound profile. This softer plastic allows for a certain warmth in the auditory experience when typing, creating what many users describe as a pleasing and unique acoustic quality. In contrast, the Silent Sakura uses a nylon top housing, which, while still able to deliver a rich sound, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM material. This distinction influences how the switches respond during typing, particularly regarding sound engagement and overall tactile feedback.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the differences become even more pronounced. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s bottom housing is also made from POM, which maintains the deeper and muted sound inherited from its top counterpart. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched sound that is particularly clear, especially when paired with an RGB lighting setup, which benefits from the material’s translucency. Here, the combination of a nylon top and polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Sakura creates a more pronounced contrast between the sound profiles, affecting both the auditory and tactile qualities when typing.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g feature different materials that yield distinct sound profiles, their respective combinations of housing materials still offer similar results in terms of typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie's uniformity with POM for both top and bottom maintains a muted and cohesive auditory response, while the Silk Sakura’s blend of nylon and polycarbonate allows for a rich auditory contrast. In both cases, the choice of housing material significantly influences the switch's sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether through the softness of POM or the blend of nylon and polycarbonate, users can expect to enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback depending on the specific properties fostered by these materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura may provide a more effortless typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, whereas the Silent Sakura has a clearly defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer push at the end of the keypress. This could cater to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and a substantial feel when bottoming out. In summary, the Silent Sakura - 53g can be considered the lighter switch in terms of actuation force while offering a heavier bottom out feel, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger typing experience—especially in contrast to the Sea Salt Smoothie, which remains a bit of a mystery regarding its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm, while the Silent Sakura extends to 4 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter of the two options, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quick actions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s 4 mm travel distance aligns with the traditional standard, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience for those who favor a hearty depth in their key presses. Consequently, users looking for swift reactions in gaming might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press could find the Silent Sakura more to their liking.
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 - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch produces a distinct thocky sound profile. This gives it a pleasing auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, characterized by its soft, gentle sound akin to raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more pronounced thock, the Silent Sakura achieves a quieter keypress, catering to differing user preferences.
When evaluating the feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its exceptional smoothness, allowing for a fluid and enjoyable typing experience. This smoothness, combined with a medium-weight actuation, provides a satisfying resistance without feeling overly heavy or cumbersome. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, which strikes a pleasing balance between lightness and tactile satisfaction. This results in a keystroke that feels lighter yet still carries a pleasing feedback, appealing to typists who desire a gentle yet engaging touch. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, allowing users to choose their preferred engagement level.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer notably different auditory and tactile experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound and fluid smoothness, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more robust typing sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet operation with a balanced keystroke, perfect for quieter environments or those who prefer a subtler experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, as both provide high-quality performance in their respective styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you value a switch that delivers a unique thocky sound profile and remarkably smooth keystrokes, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly appealing if you enjoy a more tactile feel during your typing sessions and appreciate the aesthetic of smooth linear switches that don’t operate with a noticeable bottom out force. On the other hand, if you’re typing in shared spaces or simply prefer a quieter experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. Its balanced 53g bottom out force offers a satisfying feel without creating much noise, making it ideal for office environments or for those late-night typing marathons without disturbing others. In the end, whether you gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its sound and smoothness or the Silent Sakura for its quiet elegance and gentle typing experience, both switches can offer a gratifying experience tailored to your unique needs.
Mentioned in this article
