Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for both casual typists and gamers alike who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° redefines silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing a uniquely soft and elastic feel while minimizing noise—ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment without compromising on performance. Both switches deliver their own advantages, whether you seek the acoustic pleasure of the Smoothie or the tranquility of the Zero Degree. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, significant differences emerge that influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This creates an experience that emphasizes a pleasing resonance that is less likely to ring loudly as you type. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to clearer and more resonant sound while typing. This contrast means that users looking for a more subdued auditory feedback might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, whereas those seeking a brighter and more vibrant sound could gravitate towards the Zero Degree 0°.
Regarding the bottom housings, the Sea Salt Smoothie again features POM, which provides a similarly muted and pleasing sound profile, while the Zero Degree 0° is crafted with nylon, a softer plastic known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. As a result, the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° delivers a deeper and fuller auditory experience, reducing the sharpness of the sound generated during typing. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie, while also creating a pleasant sound, leans toward a deeper tone, making the overall sound profile slightly rounder. Thus, the different material choices for the bottom housing lead to variations in the sound experience, as the properties elicited will depend greatly on the materials utilized in both the upper and lower halves of the switches.
When considering how these differences affect the overall typing experience, it's important to understand the split influence of each housing material. The qualities of the bottom housing contribute more significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that while the Sea Salt Smoothie may maintain a consistent muted warmth throughout the keystroke, the nylon bottom of the Zero Degree 0° can enhance the richness and depth of sound at the point of bottoming out. On the other hand, the top housing influences the release sound; the sharper profile of the Zero Degree 0° will present a notable contrast to the deeper notes of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Both switches promise distinct experiences based on these characteristics, so while their materials diverge in terms of sound quality, the engagement of both designs fosters a unique typing journey tied closely to the user's auditory preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both exhibit unique characteristics in terms of actuation force. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, whereas the Zero Degree 0° is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that users might find the Zero Degree 0° easier to press, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a bit more force to actuate, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push and feedback during use. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, indicating that information isn't available on how much force is needed for pressing them down completely. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Zero Degree 0° is the clear winner, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who favor a heftier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, there is a slight difference: the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the longer option, offering a bit more depth in each keystroke. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° may be more desirable for rapid inputs, particularly in gaming scenarios. However, some users might find the shallower distance of the Zero Degree 0° to feel too abrupt, making the Sea Salt Smoothie a better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether one favors responsiveness or a more hearty depth in typing experience.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 features a thocky sound profile that combines a satisfying auditory feedback with a refined smoothness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to provide an exceptionally quiet typing experience, thanks to its self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which dampen sound and create a more muted environment. While the Sea Salt Smoothie might appeal to users who enjoy a tactile auditory signature, the Zero Degree 0° caters to those seeking silence, but it's essential to remember that the overall sound can be affected by the keyboard structure and keycap choice.
Regarding feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and exceptional smoothness, allowing for a balanced typing experience that many users find comfortable and satisfying. In comparison, the Zero Degree 0° switch excels in providing a soft, elastic feel that enhances the typing experience by absorbing sound and minimizing harshness. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans toward a more traditional linear experience with a bit of weight, whereas the Zero Degree 0° offers a unique soft touch that is engineered for silent operation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s thocky sound and medium weight deliver a satisfying auditory sensation, while the Zero Degree 0° emphasizes silence and a gentle touch. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a quiet, soft typing experience, with each switch offering a smooth feel that ensures enjoyable usage regardless of your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a tactile experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the switch for you. It's ideal if you enjoy a bit of acoustics in your typing experience and don't mind a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a near-silent typing experience without compromising on the smoothness of key presses, then the Zero Degree 0° switch should be your choice. Its innovative design and self-padding features make it perfect for quiet environments, such as offices or shared spaces, where noise reduction is essential. In essence, select the Sea Salt Smoothie for a lively, tactile feel, while the Zero Degree 0° is your best bet for a smooth, silent operation.
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