Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Speed Silver stand out as two compelling options in the linear switch category, each catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is renowned for its medium-weight POM construction, providing a unique thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying, while also ensuring an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This switch breaks traditional price barriers without compromising quality, making it an attractive choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a balanced tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches excel in delivering a fast and precise typing feel, ideal for those who prioritize speed in their keystrokes. With a light-medium resistance and a shorter travel distance, Speed Silvers enable quick actuation, making them particularly suitable for competitive gamers who need every millisecond on their side. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Speed Silver switches, we see a clear distinction between their top housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which contributes to a sound profile defined by deeper and more muted characteristics. This unique acoustic quality is favored by those who appreciate a less abrasive typing experience. In contrast, the Speed Silver incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a more resonant and clear sound. Users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback would likely gravitate towards the Speed Silver due to its crisp sound signature.
The differences continue with the bottom housings of these switches. The Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for its bottom housing as well, which further reinforces the switch's muted sound profile. As POM absorbs sound effectively, it enhances the deeper and fuller tones that typists may enjoy. Conversely, the Speed Silver features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, recognized for its softer consistency, adds another layer of sound dampening, resulting in a sound profile that is also deeper yet distinctly rounder compared to POM. This combination creates a contrast in how both switches feel during use, as the tactile and auditory responses are influenced significantly by the respective bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, while the Sea Salt Smoothie and Speed Silver each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can achieve similar outcomes in terms of overall performance based on the balance of qualities each material brings. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM and nylon pairing results in a cohesive, muted typing experience, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate and nylon combination strives for a sharper auditory feedback. Each switch has its unique identity but will provide quick, responsive typing experiences and satisfactory bottom-out sensations, depending on users’ sound preferences. Users may find that both switches can elicit enjoyable typing experiences, tailored to the specific sound profiles they seek—whether they prefer the deep tones of POM or the clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we see differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Speed Silver's actuation force of 45 grams. This difference implies that the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more substantial feel during typing sessions, which some users may prefer for a tactile experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, while the Speed Silver has a measurable bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. Since the bottom out force is not provided for the Sea Salt Smoothie, it’s unclear how its overall typing experience might compare in terms of resistance when pressed fully down. For those who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Speed Silver would be the better choice. In contrast, if someone is looking for a more robust feel, they might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, provided they enjoy the unknowns of its bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Speed Silver measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel ideal for gamers who seek quicker key presses for faster response times. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more deliberate and substantial key press, which can feel more satisfying for typing or general use. If you're looking for a switch that provides a deeper, more cushioned experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the better choice, whereas gamers aiming for swift keystrokes may find the Speed Silver more advantageous.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 delivers a thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying acoustic experience that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort for typists who appreciate deeper, resonant sounds. This switch's design contributes to a rich auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is characterized by a neutral and pristine sound profile. The moderate acoustics of the Speed Silver allow it to blend seamlessly into various environments, making it versatile for both home and work settings. Thus, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a pronounced thocky sound, the Speed Silver offers a more subtle auditory feedback, catering to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is notable for its medium-weight and exceptionally smooth keystrokes, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience without fatigue. The switch's POM construction enhances its tactile feedback and smoothness, ensuring that each key press feels satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a mild typing experience characterized by light-medium resistance, making it ideal for users focused on speed and precision. Its polished feel, likely due to high-quality materials and factory lubing, results in reduced friction and an effortless key press, allowing for rapid actuations. Therefore, while the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a combination of weight and smoothness, the Speed Silver emphasizes speed and a refined touch.
Overall, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Speed Silver switches present unique qualities catering to different user preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a thocky sound and a medium-weight feel that appeals to those who enjoy a deeper acoustic and tactile experience. In contrast, the Speed Silver stands out with its neutral sound and mild, polished typing feel that prioritizes rapid key presses and comfort. Depending on what aspects of typing you value most—sound versus feel—you may choose one switch over the other, but both are well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community and are likely to satisfy enthusiasts in their own ways.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Speed Silver switches fundamentally revolves around your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely your best bet, especially if you enjoy a medium-weight typing experience that balances feedback and comfort. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a refined, plush feel while typing or gaming, making it a fantastic option for extended use. On the other hand, if you're focused on speed and precision, the TTC Speed Silver is engineered for rapid key presses, thanks to its reduced travel distance and medium-light resistance. This switch suits gamers and typists who thrive on quick responses and less overall effort during fast-paced tasks. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value sound and smoothness or speed and efficiency, ensuring that you select the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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