Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary greatly based on personal style and intended usage. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Huano Strawberry Latte are both excellent linear switches, yet they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, crafted from durable POM materials, strikes a balance between performance and affordability, delivering a commendable thocky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists alike seeking a satisfying tactile feel. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth operation, thanks to cutting-edge mold technology, and features a balanced sound profile that neither overwhelms nor lacks presence, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback. While both switches provide smooth linear action, the choice between the two ultimately hinges on whether the emphasis is on the thocky resonance of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the balanced tonal quality of the Strawberry Latte. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch features a POM top housing, known for producing a warm and muted sound profile, while the Huano Strawberry Latte uses a POK top housing, crafted from polyketone, which offers a smooth actuation with a slight clack. Both materials, though different, aim to enhance the auditory experience of the switch, albeit in distinct ways. While the POM provides a deeper, more subdued sound, the POK, with its higher coefficient of friction, introduces a livelier sound characterized by smoothness and pop. For users seeking a sound profile that balances warmth with an exciting sharpness, both switches offer unique auditory delights, leaning in different directions while delivering satisfying typing experiences.

In terms of bottom housing, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM, similarly noted for its contributing sound qualities, while the Strawberry Latte adopts nylon, a material with enduring popularity among switch manufacturers. Nylon is softer than POM, enabling it to absorb sound more effectively, thus creating a fuller and deeper acoustic profile. Consequently, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom POM housing provides a muted and pleasing sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Latte encourages a rounder sound that can be perceived as deep and rich. Users may note that the choice of bottom housing can significantly influence the switch's overall acoustic qualities, giving each model its unique character even within shared characteristics.

The implications of differing materials in top and bottom housings highlight the nuanced interplay between them in a key switch. Since the top housing affects the sound produced during release and the bottom housing influences the sound and feel of the key bottoming out, users may experience varying auditory sensations across the two models. For those desiring a switch that captures the warmth and muted acoustics of the POM while also relishing in the robust sound profile of nylon and the mechanical smoothness of POK, the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Strawberry Latte are both intriguing options. Ultimately, the careful calibration between these materials can yield satisfying results that cater to a variety of typists and gamers alike, allowing users to choose a switch that best fits their auditory and tactile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, some clear differences emerge. The Sea Salt Smoothie boasts an actuation force of 48 grams, making it relatively heavier compared to the Strawberry Latte's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This difference might appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing experience, as the added weight can provide a sense of resistance during use. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte features a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. This means that while both switches provide a different feel during typing, the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter actuation and a known heavier bottom out force, which may contribute to a more refined and responsive experience for users who prefer a tactile feedback when bottoming out. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch for extended use, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the better choice, while those seeking a more robust push should lean towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Latte comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This gives the Sea Salt Smoothie a slight edge for those who prefer a more traditional or hearty depth, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. While both switches feature travel distances that are relatively close, the difference indicates that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more pronounced press, while the Strawberry Latte caters to a preference for responsiveness. Thus, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the longer option, and the Strawberry Latte is the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate for its deep and satisfying acoustics. The sound is characterized by a rich, rounded tone that provides a pleasing auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a balanced sound profile. It strikes a good middle ground that isn't overly loud or quiet, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without being too jarring. Both switches, while differing in sound characteristics, produce satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, thanks to its all-POM construction. Users often report a buttery consistency throughout the keypress, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is also noted for its smooth operation facilitated by the latest molds, contributing to an overall enjoyable feel. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, the Gateron may give slightly more emphasis on a solid tactile response due to its thocky sound profile.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie impresses with its deep and thocky sound alongside remarkable smoothness, while the Strawberry Latte provides a balanced auditory experience with a similarly smooth feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can yield very satisfying results, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience regardless of choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you’re drawn to a smoother keypress with a slightly thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the ideal choice for you. Its build quality, enhanced by the all-POM materials, ensures a captivating typing experience while remaining budget-friendly. This switch would suit you well if you prioritize smoothness and are looking for a unique sound signature without fatigue during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional switch that offers a bit more resistance while typing, the Huano Strawberry Latte—with its balanced sound profile—may be more to your liking. The 45 grams bottom-out force provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. In summary, consider the Sea Salt Smoothie for a silky, thocky experience and the Strawberry Latte if you seek a blend of smoothness with a little extra weight and balance.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more