Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, switch selection can greatly influence your typing experience, and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Gateron Smoothie are two linear switches that each bring unique qualities to the table. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while enjoying the satisfying feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie excels in providing an ultra-smooth experience with a lightweight touch, proving to be an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter yet responsive typing experience that doesn’t compromise on quality. Both switches are crafted from durable POM material, ensuring longevity and performance. Choosing between these two can come down to personal preferences, such as the desired sound profile or the weight of the switch. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie switches are both characterized by the use of POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. This similarity in material choice leads to a shared acoustic profile and tactile experience. As a result, users of both switches can expect a unique, pleasing sound that is notably on the deeper end of the spectrum. The muted quality that both switches exhibit ensures a smooth auditory experience, making them appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a quieter typing solution.
In the context of performance and feel, the identical use of POM in both the top and bottom housings means that the user experience across these two switch types will largely align. Since both housings bring similar sound profiles, any differences in key acoustics or actuation feel will be subtle, influenced more by other design elements such as spring tension or switch actuation point than by the materials themselves. Thus, whether a user opts for the Sea Salt Smoothie or the Smoothie, they will likely notice comparable bottom-out and release sound signatures, resulting in an overall harmonious typing experience.
Despite the identical material composition, the potential for slight variances in manufacturing tolerances should be acknowledged. While both switches exhibit the characteristics of POM housings that offer muted deep sounds, individual user preferences may result in a favored choice depending on factors such as feel and sound perception. However, due to their shared POM construction, if one switch performs satisfactorily, the other is likely to produce similar outcomes, ensuring that no drastic disparities exist between the two options in terms of sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Smoothie may be more suitable for those who prefer lighter switches, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we cannot draw direct comparisons in that regard. Given their actuation forces, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and duration of use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when comparing the two switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a bit more depth, making it potentially more suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Smoothie, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, might appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances generally allow for faster actuation. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the longer option, catering to those who prefer a deeper keystroke experience.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie are characterized by a thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback during use. The Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking a detailed sound description, is likely to share a similar tonal character with the Smoothie, which is described as low-pitched and subdued. This means you can expect a rich and mellow sound when you press the keys, reminiscent of a deep thud, making both switches quiet but still audible, ideal for a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie does not have a specified tactile quality, but the Gateron Smoothie shines with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky. This suggests that the Smoothie provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke experience, allowing your fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys. If the Sea Salt Smoothie shares this quality, you can anticipate a similarly fluid sensation, characterized by minimal resistance and a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, while the available information does not explicitly detail the characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the Gateron Smoothie clearly provides an appealing combination of thocky sound and ultra-smooth feel. If the Sea Salt Smoothie aligns with these attributes, users will enjoy a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile and a fluid keystroke sensation. Ultimately, if you're considering either switch, you can expect similar results in performance, with the Smoothie offering well-defined qualities that could also be present in the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie, your decision should revolve around your typing preferences and the kind of sound profile you desire. If you're looking for an experience that combines top-tier smoothness with a moderately thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie would be the way to go. Its buttery, creamy, and silky feel ensures that every keystroke is effortless, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique sound signature while still enjoying excellent smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is worth considering, even though specifics about its sound and feel remain elusive. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional quality and performance, so think about whether sound or feel takes precedence for you, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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