Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness representing two distinct options that cater to varying preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-weight design and all-POM construction, delivering a smooth and satisfying keypress complemented by a thocky sound profile. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is a tactile variant offering a subtle to moderate tactile bump, making it suitable for users who enjoy a feedback sensation while typing. Its balanced sound profile enhances the overall experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more interactive key response. Both switches present compelling features based on your comfort and typing style, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness switches are crafted from different materials for their top housings, which leads to unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie uses POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which is noted for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic is attributed to POM's denser nature, allowing it to create a differentiated auditory response. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material recognized for its classic properties. Nylon tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound, which is a result of its softer composition that absorbs vibrations more effectively, resulting in a duller sound profile. As such, typing on these two switches will yield distinctly different auditory feedback, with the Sea Salt Smoothie generating a slightly more distinct tone than the Weightlessness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share similar acoustic qualities despite their material differences. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing reinforces the same muted sound produced by its top housing, further contributing to the switch's overall auditory experience. On the other hand, the Weightlessness's nylon bottom housing similarly enhances the deeper sounds produced during typing. This shared characteristic among the respective bottom housings suggests that while the top housings influence the sound released when a key is released, both switches will produce a balanced sound that feels solid and grounded through the bottoming out process, likely resulting in a satisfying typing experience with a deep tone on both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials serve to create unique typing sensations and sound profiles for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness switches. While the Sea Salt Smoothie leverages POM's denser characteristics to produce a more defined sound, the Weightlessness benefits from the soft qualities of nylon, leading to nuances in their acoustic feedback with each keystroke. However, the similarities in the sound profiles created by their bottom housings ensure that users will still experience a cohesive auditory consistency upon bottoming out, making both switches appealing options for enthusiasts seeking pleasurable and enriching tactile experiences during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience, potentially making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means we can't compare this aspect directly. However, given that the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, it may provide a smoother and less tiring experience for long-term use compared to the heavier Weightlessness switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm, while the Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it potentially better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, providing a deeper and more satisfying feel. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. While both switches have their merits, the preference between them ultimately depends on individual typing or gaming styles, with the Sea Salt Smoothie leaning towards a more traditional, deeper engagement and the Weightlessness favoring a snappier, brisk action.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 linear switch produces a thocky sound profile that many users find satisfying and deep, contributing to an engaging typing experience without being overly loud. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, on the other hand, is noted for its balanced sound profile, which strikes a middle ground between being audible yet not intrusive, making it suitable for quiet environments. While both switches can deliver a pleasing auditory experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie's thocky sound may stand out more for those who appreciate a richer acoustic feedback during typing.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its exceptional smoothness, providing a seamless keystroke that caters to those who prioritize fluidity in their typing. Conversely, the Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile bump that gives users a satisfying indication of actuation without overpowering the linear experience. This makes the Weightlessness feel responsive while still being gentle enough for prolonged typing sessions. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness and the Weightlessness's tactile feedback will appeal to distinct typists based on their individual needs.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Weightlessness offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie's thocky sound and exceptionally smooth feel make it ideal for those who enjoy a linear typing experience with a deep acoustic profile. In contrast, the Weightlessness provides a balanced sound combined with a subtle tactile feedback that offers a unique response to each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate a tactile experience without the heaviness found in some other switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer the rich sound and smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the balanced tactile feedback of the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you appreciate a smooth and quiet keystroke, with an emphasis on fluidity during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie should be your go-to option. Its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness make it ideal for those looking to enjoy a satisfying yet unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit of feedback that helps you register each keypress without the clicky sound of a traditional switch, the Weightlessness switch would serve you well. The subtle to moderate tactile feel combined with a balanced sound profile can enhance your typing without overwhelming you, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming contexts. Ultimately, assess what you value more—smoothness or tactile feedback—and choose accordingly for the best typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
