Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options to consider are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM linear switch, offers a delightful “thocky” sound profile while ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile yet unobtrusive feedback. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque Studio focus on creating a serene typing environment with innovative stem railings that effectively reduce noise without compromising responsiveness or the satisfying feel of bottoming out. This makes the WS Silent Linear an ideal option for users who want a quieter work atmosphere without the traditional cushion of silicone dampeners found in many silent switches. While both switches cater to different user preferences—one emphasizing a rich sound experience and the other prioritizing noise reduction—it's essential to consider what you're looking for in your typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches utilize different housing materials, which play a crucial role in shaping their unique sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for producing a distinct sound characterized by deeper tones and a muted quality, creating an overall pleasing auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch opts for nylon as its housing material. Nylon is a time-tested choice in switch design, contributing to a fuller sound profile that is also deeper yet rounder due to its softer plastic nature. While the materials differ, both switches maintain a focus on producing satisfying auditory results, ultimately intended to enhance the typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches exhibit a similar approach to sound dampening and profile creation. The POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie absorbs sound effectively, mirroring the sound absorption qualities of the nylon used in the WS Silent Linear. This common characteristic reinforces the idea that the final auditory result is influenced by how well these materials can mitigate high-frequency sounds and create a lower, more satisfying tone. Consequently, while they are crafted from different materials, users of both switches can expect an overall typing experience that prioritizes a quieter and more subdued noise level.
Moreover, the implications of these housing choices also extend to the tactile feedback users experience. The bottom housing of each switch primarily influences the sound and feel produced at the bottom-out, while the top housing impacts sounds occurring upon key release. In this respect, the muted tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM and the softer, fuller notes of the WS Silent Linear's nylon collaborate with their respective designs to create complementary tactile experiences. Users may find that, regardless of housing materials, typing on both switches offers a delightful balance of sound and feel tailored for an enhanced mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, the differences in their actuation force and bottom out force highlight their unique characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a known actuation force of 48 grams but does not have an available bottom out force measurement. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown, yet it boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This suggests that while the actuation force for the WS Silent Linear remains uncertain, its heavier bottom out force indicates a more pronounced resistance when bottoming out. Consequently, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its lighter actuation force, is likely better suited for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use such as in work or gaming. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Linear may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feedback during typing. Given this information, users will have different experiences based on their preferences for switch weight and tactile feedback in their keyboards.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, you'll experience a bit more depth with each keypress, which can provide a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for typing or general use. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those seeking a quicker and more responsive feel during key presses. Ultimately, if you value speed and responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear might be more suitable, whereas if you enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 offers a thocky sound profile, which is often favored for its satisfying and fuller acoustic experience. This switch produces a balance of resonance that combines a pronounced bottom-out sound with a smooth keystroke, ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback without it being overly loud. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches present a more muted and subdued sound. They create a neutral auditory experience, with softer keystrokes due to their design, which minimizes noise without relying on silicone dampeners. This results in an ideal typing ambiance for quiet environments, such as offices, while still being pleasant for personal use.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, offering a rich tactile experience that many users find appealing for both gaming and typing. It delivers a satisfying keystroke without any significant resistance or interruptions, helping to facilitate long typing sessions or quick game responses. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild feel; their design is approachable and less aggressive, making them user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned typists. This means the feedback is gentle with a seamless transition between keystrokes, perfect for users who prefer a less pronounced tactile experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer distinct yet harmonious typing experiences. While the Sea Salt Smoothie thrills with its thocky sound and smooth keystroke, the WS Silent Linear enables a serene yet responsive typing environment. Users looking for a combination of auditory feedback and smooth operation may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who prioritize quiet and mild interactions should consider the WS Silent Linear. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences, allowing newcomers to choose based on their desired balance of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive feel with a delightful thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a fantastic option, especially for home use where noise isn't a significant concern. Its medium-weight characteristics cater well to users looking for a balanced typing experience that doesn't compromise on tactile feedback. Conversely, if you work in a quieter environment, such as an office, where noise control is essential, the WS Silent Linear is the clear choice. It dampens sound effectively without sacrificing responsiveness, providing a mild and pleasant typing feel. The 63.5 grams bottom-out force ensures you have a satisfying and precise keystroke while maintaining a discreet sound profile. Ultimately, consider where and how you'll use the keyboard; this will guide you toward the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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