Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary greatly depending on the typing experience you're seeking. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch known for its smooth and thocky sound profile, offers users a satisfying and quiet typing experience suitable for both casual and serious typists. With its medium weight and all-POM construction, it provides exceptional durability while breaking the price barrier, making quality more accessible. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus presents an exquisite light tactile option that caters to those who appreciate subtle feedback without distraction. Designed with the discerning typist in mind, the White Lotus's delicate tactility is paired with a stunning RGB lighting effect, thanks to its removable light column. This switch balances comfort and aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and a visually engaging keyboard setup. Both switches have unique attributes that cater to different typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock White Lotus both boast distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and typing experiences, yet they differ significantly in terms of materials. The Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a unique, deeper, and relatively muted sound. This harmonious quality in sound is largely a function of POM's characteristics, which include a firm yet pleasing impact when typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus incorporates a modified PC (Polycarbonate) and UPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) blend for its top housing, paired with a nylon bottom housing. This combination provides a premium feel and a typing experience that is generally brighter and more pronounced compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie.

The bottom housings of these switches further highlight their differences in sound profile. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing elicits a similar muted sound profile to its top housing, enhancing its cohesive character. In contrast, the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM material. This variation is crucial because the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a quality typing experience, the acoustic output and tactile feedback are shaped significantly by their respective bottom housing materials.

Despite the apparent differences, users may still find some similarities when it comes to the overall experience of both switches. For instance, both the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM and the White Lotus's nylon bottom housings contribute to a satisfying typing feel—though achieved through different materials. In practice, users can expect a closely aligned typing experience when accounting for the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings. If one is looking for a particular sound signature, they might prefer the deeper muted sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the fuller resonance offered by the White Lotus, both of which create unique, enjoyable sounds influenced by their specific material compositions. Ultimately, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Durock White Lotus provide different auditory and tactile sensations due to their material choices, they both successfully deliver pleasurable typing experiences, albeit through different acoustic attributes and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the White Lotus, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie might offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, whereas the lighter actuation of the White Lotus may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions, especially for those who require a keyboard for extended use at work or during gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, while the White Lotus has a measurable bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinct difference in bottoming out might contribute to a different tactile feedback experience between the two switches. Thus, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is heavier in actuation, the White Lotus offers a lighter overall feel in terms of bottoming out, giving each switch its unique appeal depending on user preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we see distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option, while the White Lotus features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference may influence the user experience significantly; the shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to provide a quicker response time, appealing particularly to gamers who favor rapid key presses. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the White Lotus can offer a more substantial tactile feedback, which some users may find more satisfying during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, those looking for a snappier feel may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress might gravitate towards the White Lotus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is noted for producing a thocky sound profile, which tends to give a satisfying, bass-heavy tone that many typists appreciate for its richness and depth. This sound is further enhanced by its all-POM construction, which contributes to its smooth operation and acoustic characteristics. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, characterized by a more mellow tone that is less intrusive, making it suitable for those who might prefer a quieter typing environment. While both switches have distinct sound qualities, their overall acoustic results will also depend on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When considering the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, allowing for a seamless keypress experience that is favored by linear switch enthusiasts. This smooth operation is ideal for fast typists and gamers alike, as it minimizes any tactile interruptions during use. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus offers an easy-to-press sensation with a mild tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. The gentle resistance of the White Lotus makes it particularly comfortable for long typing sessions, while also reducing finger fatigue. Together, these switches present two different but enjoyable experiences: one smooth and linear, the other light and tactile.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Durock White Lotus switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie provides a deeper, thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, ideal for users seeking a linear experience. In comparison, the White Lotus balances a lighter tactile feedback with a low-pitched and neutral sound that suits a more subdued typing environment. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the type of feedback and auditory experience that one desires while typing. Whether you gravitate toward the smooth efficiency of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the gentle comfort of the White Lotus, there's a satisfying typing experience to be found in either choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a significant role. If you lean towards a smoother, thocky experience without any tactile bump, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its smooth actuation and unique sound profile will cater to those who appreciate a seamless key press without interruptions. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers feedback during typing, making each key press feel more deliberate, the Durock White Lotus is better suited for you. With its light tactile sensation, it provides just enough feedback to enhance your typing experience, particularly during extended work sessions. Additionally, if you appreciate a serene typing sound that’s not overly harsh, the White Lotus’s low-pitched and neutral tonal quality will serve you well. Ultimately, consider your usage needs—whether for gaming or typing, as well as your comfort with tactile feedback—to make the best switch selection for your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more