Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai each offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is renowned for its medium-weight feel and is constructed from high-quality POM material, resulting in a satisfying thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness during typing. This switch strikes a balance between tactile feedback and a more muted sound, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists alike who want a versatile switch that won’t distract from their focus. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by their incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile. This design provides a plush, effortless typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a gentle touch while maintaining nice acoustics. Both switches have their unique strengths that cater to various user preferences, yet they share a commonality in providing a premium typing 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai both utilize distinct housing materials, leading to unique auditory experiences while typing. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM's density contributes to a pleasing acoustic signature, reducing high-frequency noise and creating a smoother auditory experience. In contrast, the Yunhai employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively. This absorption results in a fuller and rounder sound profile, providing a contrasting tactile and auditory experience compared to the POM housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Despite their differences, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM and the Yunhai's nylon can yield similar results in terms of the overall typing experience, particularly in their deeper sound profiles. Both materials help to create a sound that is more muted than harsher alternatives, allowing for a quieter typing experience. The POM's inherent qualities might make the Sea Salt Smoothie slightly crisper in sound articulation, while the nylon’s softness brings a more enveloping depth to the auditory feedback. Consequently, users who prefer a less intrusive typing sound may find satisfaction in either of these switches, as they each contribute to a soundscape that is low in pitch and relatively gentle on the ears.
The primary distinction arises in how each material influences the typing dynamics and feedback during use. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie plays a crucial role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel, predominantly due to its harder nature. This results in a sound that may feel slightly sharper when bottoming out. Conversely, with the Yunhai’s nylon housing, users experience a softer bottoming-out sensation as the material’s elasticity dampens the impact sounds considerably. Thus, while both switches achieve a smooth and pleasing sound profile, the nuances in their materials heighten the sensory experience, showcasing how different compositions can reinterpret tactile feedback and acoustic signature, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Yunhai is lighter at 42 grams, making it an easier option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Yunhai has a defined force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. This unknown factor means we cannot directly compare the two in that regard. For users who prefer a lighter switch that allows for extended use without fatigue, the Yunhai would be the ideal choice; conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its stronger actuation force, may appeal to those who seek a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option, while the Yunhai's travel distance is 3.6 mm. This slight difference means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Yunhai may be more suitable due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for quicker actuation. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel could provide a more satisfying depth for users who enjoy a fuller keypress experience. Ultimately, both switches fall within a range that is increasingly popular today, aligning with modern 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 creates a satisfying acoustic feedback when typing. This sound quality tends to resonate well in conducive environments, providing a pleasant auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deep, rounded sound profile, which contributes to a more subdued auditory signature that is less jarring compared to the thocky nature of the Smoothie. This makes the Yunhai suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience while still enjoying a unique sound characteristic, though it’s important to note that the overall sound profile can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a smooth keystroke experience, typical of POM switches, with a balanced medium weight that provides a satisfying resistance during typing. This makes it an enjoyable option for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is notable for its incredibly light actuation force, creating a gentle and effortless feel that appeals to typists who prefer a more sensitive touch. This attribute may facilitate quicker typing speeds but can also lead to accidental key presses for less experienced users. Both switches provide a distinct typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and typing effort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and TTC Yunhai linear switches exhibit contrasting sound and feel qualities, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Smoothie’s thocky sound and smooth medium-weight actuation provide a fulfilling experience for those who enjoy a richer acoustic feedback. Conversely, the Yunhai’s deep sound profile and ultra-light actuation force cater to typists seeking a more effortless and subdued typing experience. Choosing between them depends largely on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, and both can offer a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, your preferences and typing habits play crucial roles. If you seek a switch that offers a balanced typing experience with a focus on sound and feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your best option. Known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this medium-weight POM switch ensures a satisfying and engaging typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy both typing and gaming without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai is likely more up your alley. With its deep, rounded sound profile and light actuation force of 50 grams, the Yunhai provides a gentle feel that’s perfect for typists who want to glide through long writing sessions or enjoy a more relaxed keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and overall comfort; both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different needs in the mechanical keyboard realm.
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