Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards are met with two exceptional linear switches that each offer unique attributes. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound profile that pairs perfectly with its remarkable smoothness, making it an enticing option for those seeking a balanced auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ also boasts an all-POM design but distinguishes itself with an unparalleled typing experience characterized by a deep, satisfying thock sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke, ideal for users who prioritize a silky and harmonious typing feel. While both switches offer distinct advantages — the Sea Salt Smoothie for its price-performance ratio and the WS POM+ for its premium feel — it's essential to consider what aspects of each align with your personal typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice lends both switches a distinctive sound profile characterized as incredibly pleasing and unique, with a deeper, more muted tonal quality. Because of the identical use of POM, users can anticipate that both switches will deliver similar auditory experiences, presenting a warm and rich sound when keyed. The sound signature is likely to satisfy enthusiasts looking for a more subdued auditory feedback during use.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches are made from the same POM material, the physics of how these materials interact with key presses leads to a divergence in user experience. The bottom housing significantly impacts the feel and bottom-out sound when a key is fully pressed down, while the top housing predominantly influences the sound when the key is released. Since both switches are made from POM, the distinction in experiences might hinge upon other factors such as spring tension or switch design, which are not specified here. Nonetheless, the consistent presence of POM in both components suggests that the tactile and auditory feedback will be similarly pleasing across both models.
In conclusion, because both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ employ POM for their top and bottom housings, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and overall feel. The deeper and more muted sound profile typical of POM contributes to a satisfying typing experience that will likely appeal to those who appreciate a smooth and controlled keystroke. Despite any subtle differences influenced by switch design attributes, the foundational material similarity ensures that both switches will deliver a compelling auditory and tactile experience that is distinctly characteristic of POM.
Weight
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, while the WS POM+ is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference may appeal to typists who prefer a lighter key feel, making the WS POM+ potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, while the WS POM+ has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, which gives a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Consequently, while the Sea Salt Smoothie might offer a smoother typing experience without a measurable bottom out force, and thus potentially less resistance upon bottoming out, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ provides not only a lighter actuation but also a firm bottom out that typists who enjoy a stronger push feel may appreciate. Overall, the WS POM+ is the heavier switch in terms of bottoming out, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a unique experience lacking a defined bottom out measure.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a switch with a more substantial feel as you press down, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better option, offering a bit more depth in each keystroke. Conversely, the WS POM+ might appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gaming and fast-paced typing. Therefore, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a longer, more tactile experience, whereas the WS POM+ provides a more immediate actuation for users seeking a snappier 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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer a delightful auditory experience for keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Smoothie produces a thocky sound profile, which suggests a satisfying depth and resonance when keys are engaged, providing a pleasing auditory feedback during typing. Similarly, the WS POM+ boasts a deep and satisfying "thock" sound signature, reinforcing the notion that both switches prioritize a rich and satisfying acoustic quality. While the exact nuances may vary slightly depending on the specific keyboard setup, users can generally expect a similar sound character that enhances their typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, delivering a pleasant tactile sensation that makes typing enjoyable, especially during prolonged use. On the other hand, the WS POM+ offers a buttery-smooth keystroke, indicating a seamless and refined keystroke experience similarly focused on comfort. With both switches emphasizing smoothness in their operation, users can anticipate a comparable typing feel that allows for fluid and enjoyable interactions across their keyboards.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches excel in their sound and feel, with each providing a rich thock sound and a remarkably smooth typing experience. While there may be subtle differences in their acoustic profiles and tactile nuances, users will find that the switches deliver similar experiences in both categories, making either option an excellent choice for those seeking quality and satisfaction in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're after a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a thocky sound profile that doesn't impose a significant bottom-out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the right choice for you. This switch's combination of smoothness and sound can provide an enjoyable and immersive feeling while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more defined tactile experience with a medium-light actuation at 55 grams, the WS POM+ might be more suitable. Its pronounced thock sound and buttery keystroke can enhance your overall typing experience, especially if you're looking for a switch that offers a good balance of feedback and comfort. Ultimately, consider the type of sound and feel you desire in your typing experience, as this will help guide you to the switch that fits your needs best.
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