Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both linear mechanical switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, recognized for its medium-weight and all-POM construction, provides a satisfying thocky sound profile combined with exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback without the click. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch stands out with its innovative double-stage spring design, offering a delightful bounce and a lightweight feel that promotes effortless keystrokes. While the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in its solid construction and quality, the WS Yellow impresses with its blend of classic materials and modern engineering to create a familiar yet polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches present compelling reasons to choose them, depending on your personal preference for feedback and feel. 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
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, one of the most notable differences lies in the choice of materials for their respective housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. On the contrary, the WS Yellow employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a classic choice that also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound but accomplishes this through different acoustic properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience.
While both switches ultimately deliver deeper sound profiles, the way they achieve these results is fundamentally different due to their housing materials. The unique characteristics of POM contribute to the Sea Salt Smoothie's distinct quality and sound output, creating a blend of muted tones that can appeal to those seeking a more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the nylon materials employed in the WS Yellow not only provide a classic touch but also add an element of warmth, making each keystroke feel fuller. This nuanced difference means that while users may enjoy similar acoustic outcomes with both switches, those who prefer one housing material over the other may find the tactile experience and sound profile diverging based on their material properties.
In terms of performance, the impact of both the top and bottom housings should not be underestimated. Although both the Sea Salt Smoothie and WS Yellow utilize different materials, the combination of their unique characteristics influences how users perceive the bottom-out sound and the feel of key releases. The POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie may deliver a more muted bottom-out sound, while the nylon of the WS Yellow tends to provide a richer sound experience. Overall, while the switches have diverse material choices that lend themselves to distinct tactile and auditory experiences, both aim to provide users with satisfying key presses that can cater to their preferences for deeper, fuller sounds.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, which leaves a gap in our understanding of its overall resistance. In contrast, the WS Yellow switch has an unknown actuation force, but it boasts a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is characterized as medium-light. This indicates a stronger overall feel when reaching the bottom of the switch. Therefore, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter in terms of actuation, the WS Yellow provides a heavier bottom out experience, making it better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. For individuals seeking a balanced typing experience, considering these differences can help inform their choice based on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference indicates that the WS Yellow may provide a more pronounced experience due to its deeper actuation. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie could be more appealing, as it allows for quicker key presses. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel might prefer the WS Yellow, as the additional 0.1 mm can contribute to a sense of depth in each keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the shorter option, and the WS Yellow is the longer, providing distinct experiences tailored to individual preferences.
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 Yellow 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 is characterized by a thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. This specific sound signature is often favored for its deeper and more resonant character, which can enhance the overall typing experience. The WS Yellow, while not elaborately described in the provided information, is noted to offer a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts appreciate. This suggests the WS Yellow might produce a sound that is similarly pleasant, although the exact nuances of their auditory profile may differ. It’s important to remember that sound perception can be heavily influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When it comes to the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, making it a delightful switch for prolonged typing sessions. The WS Yellow switches are described as creamy, mild, and polished, culminating in a typing experience that emphasizes smooth and effortless keystrokes. The creamy characteristic offers a buttery sensation while typing, which is likely complemented by the polished finish that reduces friction and enhances overall responsiveness. The mild aspect suggests that these switches provide a well-rounded experience that should appeal to a wide range of users, making both switches exceptional options for those who value comfort and smoothness in their typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches bring their unique qualities to the table. While the Sea Salt Smoothie is well-regarded for its thocky sound and smooth feel, the WS Yellow's creamy, mild, and polished characteristics offer an equally enjoyable experience, emphasizing effortless operation and appealing sounds. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that excels in sound and feel, either choice could offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, catering to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and needs. If you're seeking a switch that combines top-notch quality with an exceptional sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option for you. Its thocky sound profile paired with a smooth typing experience makes it an excellent choice for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions. However, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a more classic typing feel, the WS Yellow might be more up your alley. Its unique double-stage spring offers a delightful bounce, making for an engaging and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the creamy and polished characteristics of the WS Yellow can provide you with that silky sensation you might be after. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value sound and superior smoothness or prefer a lighter touch with a classic feel; both switches offer a distinct typing experience that can cater to different styles.
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