Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly alter your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch known for its medium weight and premium POM construction, delivering a satisfying thocky sound profile while offering exceptional smoothness during operation. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize a quiet yet tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash Hall Effect switch introduces a unique flair with its bright and clacky sound signature, offering a silky smooth keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience, especially for gamers who appreciate a responsive feel. While both switches bring their distinct advantages, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be favored for those seeking a more subdued experience, while the WS Dash attracts users looking for auditory feedback and refined aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches differentiate themselves notably through their choice of housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profile and user experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, renowned for providing a deep and relatively muted sound profile. This particular composition allows for a unique auditory experience that many enthusiasts find pleasing. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback during keypresses. The difference in sounds produced by these two materials showcases how housing choices can shape the overall typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a further contrast in acoustic properties and materials. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM bottom housing, which exhibits a fuller, deeper sound due to its ability to dampen sound well. This muted quality contrasts with the WS Dash's nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its classic use in switch construction. The nylon material provides a deeper and rounder sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. Consequently, while both switches aim to deliver rich auditory experiences, the means by which they achieve this diverge, with POM focusing on muted depth versus nylon’s fuller resonance.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Sea Salt Smoothie and the WS Dash can yield similar typing results when it comes to overall feel. While the sound profiles are shaped distinctively by their respective materials—POM creating a unique muted timbre and nylon adding depth—the interaction of bottom-out sound and release can balance the user experience. Specifically, the characteristics of the bottom housing will dictate the feel and lower sound during key presses, while the top housing influences the sound upon release. Thus, even though one switch might offer a sharper auditory response while the other leans towards depth, the combination of the top and bottom materials ensures each switch delivers a satisfying tactile and acoustic experience, tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires a modest actuation force of 48 grams, while the WS Dash is considerably lighter, only needing 30 grams to actuate. This distinction makes the Sea Salt Smoothie feel more substantial during typing, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Dash has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, but the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the WS Dash, whereas users looking for a heavier, more robust feel might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, albeit without specific information about its bottoming out characteristics. Overall, the WS Dash is lighter, offering a softer push, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to such preferences for a heftier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the travel distances are notably different, with the Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm and the WS Dash slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the better choice for users who prefer a more pronounced typing experience, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper feel. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or users seeking rapid key presses and a quicker response time. While both switches are comfortable and functional, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers more depth, whereas the WS Dash caters to those who favor a snappier and less tactile feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 is characterized by its thocky sound profile, which offers a satisfying, deep resonance that many users find appealing for typists and gamers alike. This sound stems from the switch's robust design and POM construction, contributing to a muted yet pleasing auditory feedback upon actuation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature. This lively auditory quality can create a more engaging typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct sound experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a deeper, thocky tone, whereas the WS Dash leans towards a sharper, clackier output.
Regarding feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, making it a delight for users who value a buttery keystroke. This medium-weight build balances resistance and ease of actuation, appealing to typists as it allows for fast, accurate key presses without overwhelming fatigue. Conversely, the WS Dash hall effect switch also offers a silky smooth keystroke, which is enhanced by its magnetic actuation mechanism. This feature provides a unique consistency across the key press, contributing to a gentle yet responsive feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's focus on medium weight makes it particularly suited for comfortable typing sessions, while the WS Dash introduces a layer of refinement through its hall effect technology.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer their own unique qualities, the sound and feel distinctly cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Sea Salt Smoothie's thocky sound and buttery smoothness provide a solid choice for those who appreciate depth and comfort, while the WS Dash's bright, clacky audio signature coupled with its elegant smooth keystroke offers an engaging tactile experience. Depending on your priorities—be it sound signature or overall tactile satisfaction—both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, making them reliable options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth, thocky sound profile and an exceptionally fluid keystroke, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option, especially for those who appreciate a balanced mix of performance and affordability. Its medium weight provides a gratifying typing experience without being overly fatigued during long sessions. On the other hand, if you’re inclined towards a brighter, clacky sound signature paired with a silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash will better suit your needs. Its medium-light bottom out force and unique hall effect mechanism offer a distinct typing experience that can be particularly rewarding for gaming, where rapid actuation can enhance responsiveness. Therefore, for a budget-friendly yet premium feel, go for the Sea Salt Smoothie, but if you want a more dynamic sound and refined actuation, the WS Dash will be your ideal choice. Ultimately, consider your specific usage and typing style to make the perfect switch selection.
Mentioned in this article
