Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch tailored to your typing style, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers intriguing differences that can significantly influence your experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, excels with its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, also an all-POM switch, is designed for speed with its short travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, catering to gamers and typists who prioritize rapid key presses. Both switches promise quality and performance, yet they serve slightly different preferences—whether you lean toward a more tactile auditory feedback or a swift, effortless keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one finds that both switches utilize POM for their top and bottom housings. This shared material provides a consistent foundation in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Both the Sea Salt Smoothie and Smoothie Silver are characterized by their unique sound, which is deeper and more muted. The fact that they employ the same POM material suggests that users can expect similar auditory experiences, regardless of the specific model they choose to use.
The sound profile of these switches is crucial as it directly influences the overall typing experience. With both the top and bottom housings made from POM, the design ensures that the deeper, more muted tones resonate through both switches when keys are pressed or released. The POM material's properties contribute to a pleasing sound that many users find desirable. Consequently, while there may be distinctions in the feel or actuation points of the switches themselves, with regards to acoustics, the two switches effectively mirror each other, offering users somewhat interchangeable experiences in sound.
In terms of tactile feedback, however, while the sound might be similar, the interaction with the switches may differ based on the overall switch design, including elements such as vaunted tactile bump or linear smoothness in the switches themselves. Since the qualities of the bottom housing mainly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, and the top housing impacts the release sound, the POM materials in both switches sync well to keep the overall sound profile uniform. Users can expect a consistent experience in how sound is produced during key presses, reflecting the homogeneity in housing materials, despite any other potential differences in the switch mechanics or design features.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Smoothie Silver is slightly lighter at 45 grams, making the Smoothie Silver the preferable option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience during long work sessions or gaming marathons. As for their bottom out forces, both switches have an unknown value. Consequently, we can't draw conclusions about how they perform when fully pressed down. Overall, if a lighter touch is desired, the Smoothie Silver is the better alternative, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a heavier feel for users who appreciate that more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the differences are clear. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option, whereas the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter. For gamers who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may be more appealing, offering faster actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie due to its greater depth, which provides a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver deliver a notable thocky sound profile. This characteristic is appreciated by users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The thocky sound can be attributed to their construction, so you can expect a satisfying acoustic experience with either switch. However, the overall sound quality may slightly vary depending on the choice of keyboard plate and keycap material, which can influence how the sound resonates.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers exceptional smoothness and a medium weight that provides a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a feather-light touch coupled with a short travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation. While both switches are known for their smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie may feel more substantial during use, whereas the Smoothie Silver will likely feel more responsive, catering to users who prefer a quicker key press.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Smoothie Silver share a thocky sound profile and remarkable smoothness, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of feel and actuation. The Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight option for those who appreciate a robust typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver stands out for its rapid actuation and feather-light touch. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a substantial feel or a quicker response time during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced feel with a pleasing sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a slightly heavier tactile sensation paired with its thocky sound. Its design focuses on delivering smooth keystrokes that can enhance your typing experience, making it a great option for those who type extensively or enjoy a satisfying key press. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quick, responsive action and an ultra-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is tailored for you. With its short travel distance and exceptional smoothness, this switch is perfect for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing, as it allows you to execute commands swiftly without sacrificing the quality of feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a more stable, thocky experience with the Sea Salt or the lightning-fast, feather-light responsiveness of the Smoothie Silver.
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