Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Outemu Yellow Silver present distinct options that cater to different preferences and gaming styles. The Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a medium-weight all-POM switch known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a tactile and satisfying acoustic experience without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed for speed and responsiveness, featuring a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it an ideal option for gamers and typists who thrive on quick accuracy and minimal fatigue during long sessions. Each switch offers unique advantages: the Sea Salt Smoothie for a richer auditory experience and a buttery feel, and the Yellow Silver for its nimble actuation and versatility. 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
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches present a fascinating juxtaposition of housing materials, with distinct implications for sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie employs a polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic provides a unique auditory experience, leaning towards a pleasant and softer profile. Conversely, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which imparts a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This structural difference creates a clearly resonant sound profile, contributing to its brighter auditory character. If one were to utilize both switches, the experience would vary significantly; the Sea Salt Smoothie’s softness invites a quiet serenity, whereas the Yellow Silver offers an invigorating clarity, showcasing how different top housing materials can distinctly influence auditory perception.
Examining the lower halves of these switches reveals further contrasts that affect both tactile feedback and sound. The Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also composed of POM, echoing the sound characteristics observed in its top housing but resulting in a cohesive deeper sound profile that is further muted. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which infuses it with a fuller and rounder sound. The nylon material’s absorption qualities augment the overall auditory footprint, enhancing the bottom-out experience as a classic switch material typically would. In both switches, the bottom housing's material will heavily influence the sound and feel when bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches aim to provide an engaging typing experience, the material contrasts play a crucial role in creating unique personality traits that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, while the differences in top and bottom housing materials lend distinct characteristics to the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Yellow Silver, their combined effects reveal the interplay between these materials. When pressed, the Sea Salt Smoothie's muted deep quality in both POM housings provides a continuous auditory experience, while the Yellow Silver’s combination of nylon and polycarbonate creates a brighter, more resonant soundscape that is lively and pronounced. This dynamic interaction allows users to experience a variety of tactile and auditory sensations, showing that even with different materials, one can achieve complementary results based on personal preference. Whether choosing the understated depth of POM or the vividness of polycarbonate and nylon, enthusiasts can find satisfaction in both switch types, adapting the experience to their unique tastes in keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that for users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Yellow Silver may be the more suitable option. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. This indicates that while the actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is heavier, its bottoming out force is unspecified, making it difficult to fully compare the typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's known bottom out force reveals a slightly firmer feel at the bottom of the key press, which might appeal to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter feel, the Outemu Yellow Silver is more favorable, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force but lacks information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional experience, which some users may find more satisfying due to its deeper keypress. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize faster response times with the Sea Salt Smoothie or a more substantial tactile experience with the Yellow Silver.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. This sound signature adds a layer of depth to typing and gaming experiences, making each keystroke feel more impactful. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile. This can be seen as advantageous for both gamers and typists alike, as it allows for a quieter operation while still being sufficient for general use. The neutrality might appeal to those who prefer a less pronounced sound while typing or gaming, allowing focus without unwanted distractions.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its exceptional smoothness, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience. The combination of its medium weight and POM material provides a satisfying tactile sensation as you press down on the keys. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is designed with a light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness, making it particularly suited for fast-paced gaming. While both switches possess unique qualities in terms of feel, the noticeable difference lies in their actuation weight—one favors a more cushioned experience, while the other prioritizes speed.
Overall, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches cater to different preferences and use cases. The Sea Salt Smoothie thrives thanks to its thocky sound and smooth actuation, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Alternatively, the Yellow Silver provides a quick, neutral experience that sets itself apart with its lighter actuation force, making it effective for speed-oriented tasks. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or responsiveness, either switch can deliver an enjoyable experience, albeit in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a switch that offers a luxurious typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option for you. Its smooth operation is ideal for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and pleasurable feedback while typing, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or daily productive work. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios, the Yellow Silver switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force allows for quick key presses, and its neutral sound profile ensures that you can seamlessly transition from gaming to office environments without disturbing those around you. Thus, evaluate your primary activities—whether they lean more towards casual typing and comfort or high-speed gaming—and select the switch that aligns with your style for the best overall experience.
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