Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, offers a smooth and fluid typing experience characterized by its medium-weight all-POM construction, delivering a "thocky" sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a quieter keyboard experience without compromising on quality. In contrast, the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, provides a unique typing sensation with its snappy, medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks. The comfortable and subdued color scheme of the Taro mirrors its typing experience, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of tactile feedback. While the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users seeking a seamless and quieter keystroke, the Taro is perfect for those who enjoy the physical response and auditory feedback of a tactile 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
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Taro, the differences in housing materials contribute significantly to their unique auditory experiences and tactile feedback. The Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for its top and bottom housings, which provides a deeper, more muted sound profile that many users find pleasing and unique. This inherently moreso muted quality is characteristic of the POM material, which is known for absorbing sound better, thus resulting in a softer auditory experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing combined with a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate's stiffness yields a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it more resonant and vibrant, while the nylon bottom housing provides a softer sound that adds depth to the overall experience.
The distinct contrast in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to their choice of materials. The POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie ensures a rich and enveloping auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer deeper sounds. Conversely, the polycarbonate in the Taro enhances the clarity of keystrokes, catering to those who enjoy crisper auditory feedback. The nylon housing at the bottom of the Taro complements this by producing a fuller sound due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, their materials allow them to cater to different auditory preferences.
Nonetheless, if one wishes to achieve similar results in terms of sound experience, utilizing varying combinations of materials could play a vital role. For instance, while the Sea Salt Smoothie maintains a uniform material composition with POM, the Jwick Taro’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a richer sound mechanism. However, by tweaking either housing, whether by using a different bottom material or by adjusting actuation forces, users could navigate towards a balance of sound that shares characteristics with both switches. Ultimately, the feel and sound profile of each switch reflect the interplay between their respective materials, demonstrating how different housing choices can uniquely impact the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it relatively lightweight and suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing hand fatigue. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving us without a measure to gauge how it feels when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Taro switch has an unknown actuation force but demonstrates a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Consequently, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option due to its known actuation force, the Taro offers the heftier, tactile response that some users might favor.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning you will experience similar results in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed down. This equal distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming, making them suitable options for users who prioritize a consistent keypress experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect them to perform similarly in that regard.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, distinct differences arise. The Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more resonant and muted audio experience. In contrast, the Taro switch features acute and crisp clacks, contributing to a brighter and more articulate sound that emphasizes the tactile nature of the switch. This difference indicates that while the Sea Salt Smoothie might be preferred in quieter environments or for a less intrusive auditory profile, the Taro could be favored in settings where a sharper sound is desired.
In terms of feel, the two switches exhibit contrasting sensory experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is designed for smoothness, ideally characterized by its buttery keystroke experience, allowing for fluid and effortless typing. This quality is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a seamless interaction with their keyboard, presenting a highly enjoyable and comfortable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a snappy, medium-level of tactility with a stepped feel. This results in a more pronounced feedback during typing, where users can sense two distinct stages of key travel. This tactile feedback can enhance typing confidence and precision, especially for users who enjoy a more engaging interaction with their keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Jwick Taro switches each present unique auditory and tactile qualities. The Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound and buttery smoothness, ideal for a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Taro switch delivers crisp sound and tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on individual preferences for sound and feel, and those seeking a balance between the two will find satisfaction in either option depending on the specific traits they value more in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you value a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is undoubtedly a great choice, delivering an enjoyable thocky sound profile with its smooth keystrokes. It is particularly suitable for those who typists spend long hours working or gaming and prefer a switch that minimizes finger fatigue while providing a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a slightly heavier typing experience, the Taro switch might be your go-to option. With its medium-heavy actuation force and snappy tactile bump, it offers a more engaging typing experience, producing crisp clacks that many users find satisfying. The Taro is particularly suitable for individuals who enjoy a nuanced typing feel that enhances their overall keyboard interaction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and quiet operation or a tactile experience with auditory feedback.
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