Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade stand out as compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and all-POM construction, offering a delightful thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness that makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a solid feel. In contrast, the WS Jade incorporates a metallic insert that produces a bright, resonant sound, complemented by a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Its unique creamy typing experience, coupled with a rock-solid bottom-out sensation, appeals to users who enjoy both aesthetic flair and refined tactile feedback. While both switches offer appealing characteristics, choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, it's important to note that both switches utilize POM for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is notable because POM (Polyoxymethylene) is renowned for its durability and low friction, which contributes to a smoother keystroke experience. Both switches feature a sound profile that is characterized as deep and relatively muted, which enhances the tactile experience while also minimizing intrusive noise during use. As a result, users of both switches can expect a very pleasing auditory experience, making them suitable for environments where noise control is a priority.
The similarities in housing materials are particularly significant when considering how sound is produced in these switches. As both the Sea Salt Smoothie and WS Jade utilize POM for both the top and bottom housings, the properties of POM manage to provide a cohesive sound profile that remains consistent across both switch types. Since POM is effective in dampening high frequencies, users will find that the bottom-out sound and release sound for both switches blend seamlessly, creating a well-rounded acoustic experience. This consistency means that players familiar with one switch will likely appreciate the other for its comparable sound characteristics.
While the housing materials are identical, the overall switch design and mechanics can also influence the tactile feedback experienced. The bottom housing is more influential in shaping the bottom-out feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the release sound. Therefore, even though the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade share the same POM materials, users may still notice variations in feedback based on the specific switch design. Nevertheless, the shared POM construction underlines a mutual potential for creating a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that both switches cater well to users seeking quality performance through similar sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there are noteworthy differences. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option of the two, which may appeal to users looking for a gentler touch that allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Jade features a higher actuation force of 50 grams along with a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down. This makes the WS Jade a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie lacks a stated bottom out force, which means we cannot directly compare this aspect against the WS Jade's medium bottom out force. Overall, users seeking a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who appreciate a heavier switch with defined resistance might prefer the WS Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option, while the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. The shorter travel distance of the WS Jade may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper press. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, choosing the Sea Salt Smoothie will offer that extra depth and sturdiness, whereas the WS Jade might deliver a snappier, more reactive 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 Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 per 10 switches.
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 switch is recognized for its thocky sound profile, which provides a deep, satisfying auditory feedback that tends to resonate well in a variety of environments. With the right board and keycaps, this switch produces a pleasingly dampened tone when pressed. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is characterized by a bright metallic sound due to its unique design that includes a metallic insert in the stem base. This design contributes to a clacky, marbly, and resonant sound, resulting in a sharp and immersive typing experience. The auditory feedback from the WS Jade is more piercing and crisp compared to the more muted and deep sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth typing experience, although specific descriptors were not provided. The WS Jade switch stands out with its silky and creamy texture, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and buttery experience with minimal resistance. This silky quality is often enhanced by the materials used in the switch, leading to an effortless glide during typing. While the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie's feel remain less detailed, users can generally expect a similar smoothness that complements a pleasant typing action.
Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a deeper thocky sound with a likely smooth actuation, making it suitable for users who appreciate a less aggressive auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS Jade offers a high-pitched, metallic tone coupled with a creamy and silky typing sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results in their own right, making either a valuable option for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a switch that offers a blend of thockiness and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its unknown bottom-out force suggests a more forgiving experience that can be beneficial for long typing sessions or casual gaming, where comfort and ease of use are paramount. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides a solid, medium-weight feel with a distinct bright, clacky sound, the WS Jade would better suit your needs. Its unique metallic insert contributes to a resonant auditory experience, while its creamy texture ensures that each keystroke feels precise and luxurious. Ultimately, you should consider your primary use cases and preferred acoustic profile when selecting between these two impressive switches, as the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in smoothness and comfort, while the WS Jade shines with its lively sound and tactile feedback.
Mentioned in this article
