Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both categorized as linear switches. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie excels with its medium-weight, all-POM construction, providing a buttery-smooth typing experience paired with a thocky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a softer touch without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring that offers a bouncier response and heavier actuation force, creating a more substantial feel with each keystroke while maintaining a classic sound. This switch may be better suited for users who prefer a bit more resistance and tactile feedback in their typing experience. While both switches cater to distinct preferences, each possesses unique characteristics that can enhance your overall keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer a fascinating comparison when it comes to their housing materials. The Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is crafted from POM, which is known for producing a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the WS Red uses nylon for its top housing, a traditional choice that also promotes a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, which allows for a rounded auditory experience. Although these two materials differ in composition, they seemingly converge on creating an enjoyable sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a pleasing auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a similar trend. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie is said to produce a muted, deep sound, mirroring the qualities described for the WS Red's nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to deliver a fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. The unique attributes of the bottom housing are essential during key presses, as they significantly contribute to the bottom-out feel and sound. This aspect could lead to comparable experiences in terms of auditory feedback and typing tactility when using both switches, despite the differences in materials.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Red switches utilize different materials for their housings, the resulting sound profiles and tactile experiences they provide may still align closely. The POM and nylon used in the top and bottom housings both prioritize creating a deeper and more pleasing auditory experience. Therefore, users may find that typing on either switch yields satisfying results, with the combined attributes of each housing material contributing to an engaging and harmonious typing experience. This interplay of materials elucidates how varied compositions can still harmonize to produce similar outcomes in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the differences become clear. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a measured actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option, which can provide a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods, beneficial for users who prioritize ease over resistance. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, preventing a full comparison in that regard. On the other hand, the WS Red has a significant bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, and its actuation force remains unspecified. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the WS Red may be more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a lighter actuation feel, while the WS Red caters to those who favor a heavier press with its known bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Red offers a slightly longer distance at 3.8 mm. This means that if you're seeking a quicker response time typical of gaming, the shorter Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better option, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel and deeper feedback while typing or gaming, the WS Red would be preferable due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, if both switches catered to your preferences, they would yield relatively similar results in terms of performance, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's 3.7 mm travel provides a touch of enhanced responsiveness.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which offers a rich and satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of premium switches. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a noticeable yet pleasing sound while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch maintains a classic sound signature that is familiar and consistent across most mechanical keyboards. Its heavier actuation force contributes to a sound that is likely a bit sharper and more substantial compared to the smooth, muted thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Regardless of the specific sound profiles, both switches can produce satisfying sounds, but nuances will ultimately depend on the keycaps and keyboard they are paired with.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, providing a gliding typing experience without any noticeable scratchiness or resistance during keypresses. This makes it a great choice for long typing sessions, allowing users to type effortlessly. In contrast, the WS Red switch, featuring a 22mm double-stage spring, provides a bouncy and responsive feel that adds a bit of weight to each keystroke. This heavier actuation force can create a satisfying resistance that some typists might prefer, as it feels more deliberate and substantial. While the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a lighter, smoother experience, the WS Red leans toward a more tactile feedback through its heavier spring, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more heft in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Red switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky sound paired with an incredibly smooth feel, perfect for those seeking a lightweight typing experience. Conversely, the WS Red offers a classic sound combined with a bouncier and heavier feel, appealing to users who appreciate more resistance in their typing. Depending on personal preference, both of these switches can provide satisfying results, making either a solid choice for a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a thocky sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be an excellent choice. Its medium-weight profile allows for a comfortable feel without overwhelming resistance, making it suitable for long typing sessions where tactile satisfaction is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heavier bottom-out force that delivers a more substantial feedback with each keystroke, the WS Red switch is ideal for you. Its bouncy and responsive characteristics cater well to typists who prefer a slightly more forceful touch while still maintaining a nostalgic sound signature. Overall, whether you lean towards the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the weighty responsiveness of the WS Red depends on what enhances your typing enjoyment and productivity.
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