Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock T1 stand out as compelling options, each catering to different preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch renowned for its medium weight and exceptional smoothness, offering a satisfying "thocky" sound profile. It's perfect for those who enjoy a fluid keypress without tactile interruptions, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is a tactile switch that delivers a medium bump for satisfying feedback during typing, complemented by a low-pitched sound reminiscent of gentle rain. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a more engaged tactile experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions and those who enjoy a bit of a kick with each keystroke. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style and sound preferences; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock T1 switches, a clear distinction arises between the characteristics of the top housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing is designed to produce a unique sound profile that leans towards being deeper and more muted. This results in a sound that is not only pleasing but also relatively subdued, which may appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the T1's polycarbonate top housing provides a stark contrast, as it generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and more resonant. This difference is tied directly to the physical properties of the materials; while POM creates a softer audio impression, polycarbonate’s rigidity enhances sound clarity, particularly valuable when integrating with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals similarities amid their differences. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing continues the trend of creating a muted and unique sound, aligning with the deeper profile established by the top housing. In contrast, the T1's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and deeper sound due to nylon's softer material properties. This absorption of sound leads to a rounder auditory experience that can feel more substantial under the fingers. While both switches aim for an overall satisfying typing experience, the tonal qualities diverge—POM fosters a fuller yet subdued sound whereas nylon enhances depth but still imparts a softer touch.
When these materials are combined in a single switch, their distinct sound profiles are expressed in different ways based on which housing is struck. With the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizing POM for both the top and bottom, the sound is inevitably consistent, generating a more cohesive auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Durock T1's mixed materials—hard polycarbonate on top and softer nylon below—create a nuanced interaction between the two housing types. Users of the T1 switch will notice how it balances a sharper top-end notification with a warmer, more resonant bottom-out sound. Therefore, while each switch brings its unique acoustics, those who appreciate both variances may find that despite distinct materials, the overall typing experience can still yield satisfying outcomes depending on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, which makes it a lighter option, ideal for those who prefer an effortless typing experience during long hours of use or gaming. In contrast, the Durock T1 switch's bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when pressing all the way down, although the actuation force is unknown. Since the actuation force of the T1 is not provided, we can't directly compare it to the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force. Nevertheless, it's clear that the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, making it more suitable for users seeking comfort and efficiency, while the T1 could cater to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback with potentially heavier typing resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the T1 measures 4 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter option and the T1 the longer one. The shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those seeking quicker responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Conversely, the T1's longer travel distance of 4 mm offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress sensation. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences in terms of travel distance and feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie is undoubtedly the better choice for rapid response, while the T1 caters to those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile 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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound profile, which is typically characterized by a deep and satisfying acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy, akin to the gentle patter of rain. The T1's neutral sound signature offers moderate acoustic feedback, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Sea Salt Smoothie leaning more towards a resonant thock, while the T1 offers a softer, rain-like sound that is less intrusive.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for seamless key presses without any noticeable scratchiness. On the other hand, the T1 features a stepped tactile bump, providing a distinct two-stage feel that is both comfortable and engaging. This bump is accentuated without being overwhelming, making the switch accessible for both casual typing and serious work. Additionally, the T1 is polished, resulting in a refined touch that minimizes friction for smoother key travel. While the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes smoothness, the T1 combines tactility with a polished finish for a slightly more textured experience.
In summary, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock T1 offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Smoothie provides a thocky sound paired with exceptional smoothness, ideal for those who prioritize seamless keystrokes, while the Durock T1 combines a low-pitched sound profile with a moderate tactile feedback that can offer both comfort and enjoyment while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal sound and feel preferences, with each offering a compelling experience in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, your preferences and typing habits should guide your choice. If you seek a smooth, linear experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option, particularly if you enjoy a gentle keystroke with no tactile bump disrupting your flow. This switch is ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing where you prioritize speed and smoothness without the interference of tactile feedback. However, if you prefer a more tactile feel with a clear bump that enhances your typing experience, the Durock T1 would serve you better. Its medium-heavy actuation force coupled with a stepped tactile sensation makes it wonderfully comfortable for prolonged typing sessions while providing a sound reminiscent of rain that many find soothing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you want a linear, unencumbered typing experience or a tactile, feedback-rich interaction, so consider how you plan to use your keyboard before making your decision.
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